In light of UK energy bills expected to rise to £3,600 annually this winter, and the Bank of England rising interest rates by 0.5%, energy suppliers Centrica and Octopus Energy have recently announced their support of a scheme that could help struggling home owners freeze their bills for two years. Under the programme, commercial banks would put cash into the state-backed fund, which suppliers could then draw on to meet the difference, rather than raising the price cap on energy bills, which is currently at £1,971.
While these reforms could save thousands of families from fuel poverty, the UK’s leading energy-saving and sustainability platform SaveMoneyCutCarbon are keen to share the easy and actionable ways in which consumers can integrate eco-living in their homes for less. As many as six in 10 express concerns about affording basic domestic bills and household goods, with sustainable alternatives now at the bottom of their lists for 26% of Brits. We are used to hearing the advice encouraging consumers to stop using plastic straws, recycle more and drive less, but the reality is that people are unaware of the changes they can make that will in fact save them money in the long-term. SaveMoneyCutCarbon found that just under 40% of the nation are aware of the rise in energy bills but haven’t changed their behaviour as a result because they have no idea know how. Though recognition and ambition are both present, there is a notable absence in sustainable changes coming into fruition.
Mark Sait, founder of SaveMoneyCutCarbon, and sustainability and energy-saving expert says:
“There is a common misconception that going green is too expensive, but that’s just it – a misconception. We hear it all the time, you want to try and be more sustainable but don’t know where to start or are worried that eco-friendly products won’t work as well and you’ll have wasted your money. That is why we have launched our ‘Give Eco a Go’ scheme to try and remove those barriers.
“If more and more people were able to try the products that are proven to save you money on your bills, then we will start to see a shift towards implementing greener products and appliances into the home – expelled from the belief that they are breaking the bank.”
In its mission to disassemble these long-held misconceptions, SaveMoneyCutCarbon has listed its top five actionable swaps for homeowners and renters to consider ahead of the looming price hike:
LED Lighting
Converting to LED lighting is simply the most efficient and best light-quality solution for the office, and could help save up to 90% on energy as well as reduce your maintenance costs. It provides flicker-free, natural lighting that has flexible controls with motion sensing and daylight dimming.
Infrared Panel Heaters
Infrared panel heaters are maintenance-free and simple to install – and up to 60% more energy efficient than conventional convection heating. No plumbing is needed – just a power source – and they can even be fitted in the bathroom and other damp environments.
Smart Plugs
With a Smart Plug, it is possible to regulate when your electricity is running, and which areas use it most. You can set routines for your electronics to turn on only when they’re needed, and some even turn your devices off and on depending on whether you’re in the office or not. You can adjust the timings so it is only on for specific time periods – and is all controllable through your smartphone, or with your voice.
Electronic Basin Taps
Currently, 4% of the UK’s energy usage is used in pumping and processing water used every day across businesses. Electronic Basin Taps can reduce water consumption by up to 70%. They have a temperate control sensor that detects hand movement, so water only runs when it’s needed.
Switch off your appliances at the mains!
The estimates vary on how much these “vampire energy consumers” are actually costing you every year but they can be as high as £95. Generally, most households will be using around £30 in electricity by leaving devices plugged in. The average amount of energy consumed by gadgets on standby or in a non-active state is between 9% and 16% of a home’s total energy bill. For phones, it’s good to get into the habit of charging your devices for a couple of hours in the evenings rather than overnight and unplug your chargers afterwards.
