Ways to save on energy despite price rises
Scottish Power has announced an increase of 19% rise in gas prices, 10% to their electricity prices, effective 1st August 2011 affecting 2.4m households.
This is the largest price increase we've seen from a supplier in some time, and Scottish Power state that dual fuel customers will see an increase of around 48p per day. This equates to an extra £175 per year, bringing their standard monthly direct debit tariff to £1,208 a year for the average household and the most expensive standard tariff currently available.
Lisa Greenfield, energy analyst at Confused.com says: "We've seen the warning signs for quite some time and it's no surprise the rises have begun. It's disheartening news for Scottish Power customers, although the other suppliers are sure to follow soon. We could be seeing a repeat of the unprecedented rises of 2008 and we'd advise switching to a fixed or capped tariff quickly before the best deals are withdrawn"
"We always advise shopping around as a way to reduce your bills, and switching to an online tariff and paying by direct debit is the easiest way of saving a few pounds for very little effort. Also, if you're willing take advantage of some of the insulation offers available at the moment, you could save £400 without changing your behaviour around the home. That money could go towards next year's family holiday"
A dozen ways to save on utility bills:
1. Switching: No one wants to spend more money than they need to - especially for essentials such as gas and electricity. Luckily comparing tariffs using a website like Confused.com is free and could save you money. Switch tariffs to the cheapest option on the market and you could save around 19%.
2. Switching to direct debit (you could save around 9%);
3. Installing cavity wall insulation while this costs £100, £110 could be saved per year,
4. Loft insulation is a similar price and is estimated to save £145. So a household on a standard tariff, paying when the bill arrives could save a massive £400 a year before making any behavioural changes
5. Get an energy monitor: Not to be confused with smart meters, energy monitors will show you your energy usage in real time, as well as showing you historical records so you can become more aware of your how much energy you're actually using. It's estimated that you could save 12% on your energy bill just by keeping one eye on the monitor. You can even encourage your children to join in by turning off lights around the house when you see the usage spike
6. White goods: If you are buying ‘white goods' such as a fridge or washing machine, the energy ratings will give you an idea of which machines are the most energy-efficient. Try and use tumble dryer with an A rating, or better still, dry your clothes on a line - it's the most eco and cost-friendly way to a clean and fresh wardrobe.
7. Fill up your dishwasher before you turn it on, even an energy-efficient machine is not going to save much if it only has a couple of dishes in it every time you use it.
8. There are grants and schemes available to help you make your home more energy efficient. For more advice on these options, you can contact one of the following, depending on your location and circumstances: Energy Saving Trust; Warm Front; Warm deal (Scotland); Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (Wales); Energy Efficiency Commitment
9. Standby inaction: Steps are being taken to phase out the standby function on most appliances. And it's no surprise, considering that an estimated 8% to 10% of all household electricity usage is squandered on electrical equipment left on standby. So you could make a significant saving - not to mention reduction in carbon emissions - by turning things off properly.
10. No charge: Similarly it makes good sense to ensure that mobile phone chargers and other power supplies are switched off at the mains. It is estimated that 95% of all energy used by phone chargers in the UK is wasted, due in the main by being left switched on at the wall. Switch it off!
11. Embrace the darkness: It's an easy habit to get into, but it will save a great deal of energy just to switch off a light when the last person leaves the room. In addition, the switch to energy-efficient bulbs is a prudent one. They waste considerably less energy (they use 75% less electricity), and last a good deal longer than ordinary bulbs (up to 12 times), which more than makes up for their slightly higher cost.
12. The big chill: A fridge or freezer will have to use more energy to keep your produce cold if there are big gaps of open space inside. Either keep your fridge/freezer well stocked, or - if it's a while before your next big shop - stuff carrier bags with newspaper and keep them in the spaces.
13. Going off the boil: Only boil as much water as you need each time in your kettle. Heating water is comparatively expensive, so it's worthwhile making sure that all you boil goes to good use.
14. Water meters: Did you know you could save money on your water bills as well as energy? Some people find that having a water meter installed by their energy supplier could save them money, as they are only charged for what they use.
15. No longer dirty at thirty: Most washing powders nowadays will give your clothes a thoroughly good clean even at 30°C. So why not reduce the temperature at which you do your wash? In addition, be sure that you always wash a full load, rather than small amounts at a time. This will save on both energy and washing powder
16. Don't overheat: It's a good idea to fine-tune your home heating habits. Why not turn your thermostat down a degree, or adjust your timer so that your house is only being heated when necessary? Plus, it is more energy efficient to heat your house at a lower temperature over a longer time, rather than in short bursts.