Energy rationing by customers to keep a lid on cost

Forty five per cent of UK households are avoiding switching the lights on in their homes, in a desperate attempt to reduce energy usage and keep bills down. Surprisingly 3% of people eat by candle light which is great for the romantics in us, but not ideal on a daily basis.

The research also shows that 14% of people are sharing bath water with their family, as householders turn to more extreme ways to keep the cost of their energy down.

Household bills have risen dramatically over the last few months and 72% of UK householders are trying to save as much energy as possible. Following a summer of price rises, bad press and damning findings from Ofgem that energy suppliers are making a massive profit of £125 for each average customer, people are now being forced to ration their energy usage.

In the Energy Summit this week, the Prime Minister, consumer groups, energy suppliers and industry regulator Ofgem for the first time agreed that consumers need more help to get the cost of their gas and electricity bills down and urged consumers to shop around.

As many UK residents face another cold winter with many struggling to pay their bills, 52% of people admit that they wear more clothes in winter to avoid putting the heating on. Worryingly, 70% of the 55+ age range group admit they already do this, and this is before the latest price hikes have taken affect.

Lisa Greenfield, Confused.com energy analyst, says: "It's worrying that energy prices keep rising, leaving many UK residents struggling to pay their bills. However it's encouraging to see people adapting to this by consciously thinking about energy saving ways. Over 75% of people think about saving energy and the 55+ age group appear to be the most energy conscious."

"We worry that people are taking extreme measures and are suffering in a bid to save energy, just by making simple changes like only using the dish washer when its full, turning your washing machine down to 30 degrees and not putting warm items in your fridge/freezer as it has to work harder to cool it down can save you money on an annual basis. However shopping around on a price comparison site and switching your tariff or supplier could save on average £248."

Confused.com has identified some simple and more comfortable ways to save on energy bills, without having to scrimp on the basics.