How can I save energy at home?
If you’re worried about your energy bills and energy consumption, there are various steps you can take to reduce your energy usage. These steps, discussed in more detail below, can generally be categorised into:
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making changes to your household routines and appliances to reduce your energy consumption
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making physical changes to your property. If you own your own home, you may be able to get financial support. If you rent your home, you can speak to your landlord about making such improvements
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seeking specialist advice
What practical steps can I take to reduce my energy bills?
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Make changes around your household to reduce the amount of energy required for day-to-day tasks like heating and laundry. Consider:
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Use an energy efficiency calculator to find ways that you can reduce your energy usage. These calculators suggest energy reduction measures based on your living situation and estimate the financial savings each change could bring. |
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Make physical changes to your property. If you own your home, consider making improvements to reduce the amount of energy you need to heat or cool your home. If you rent your home, consider asking your landlord to make such improvements. Potential improvements include:
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Get help financing property improvements. You may be able to take out a loan for the cost of certain energy-saving home improvements (eg replacing windows and upgrading heating systems) if you work with a Green Deal provider. This loan will be paid back gradually via a charge added to your energy bills. For more information, read the government’s guidance. For more information about energy efficiency in the home, ready Energy performance certificates (EPCs) and Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for residential properties. |
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Consider changing energy suppliers or tariffs (ie rates) to get lower energy prices. Ofgem (the body that regulates energy suppliers) provides advice on how you can change energy suppliers or tariffs safely. Bear in mind that, if your fixed tariff is coming to an end, you may save money by being switched automatically to your current supplier’s default tariff. Default tariffs are limited by the government’s Energy Price Guarantee. This sets the maximum charge an average household in the UK will pay for energy at £1,834 from 1 October to 31 December 2023. From 1 January 2024, the energy price cap will rise to £1,928 per year. |
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Consider changing your energy bill payment method. It is usually cheaper to pay energy bills by direct debit as many energy providers offer small discounts on direct debit payments. If you’re in credit, you can ask your energy provider to refund you some of your accumulated credit and/or to lower your direct debit payments (eg to reflect your annual usage and meter readings). |
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Ask your energy supplier for help with your energy bills. Energy suppliers are required to take your individual circumstances into account in relation to your energy bills. If you ask them to, energy suppliers must:
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Seek professional advice on reducing your energy use from, for example:
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Get support from the government. For example:
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Apply for charitable grants (also known as ‘hardship funds’) if you can’t cover your energy costs. You will need to fill in application forms and provide information about your financial situation. Find out more about available grants from Citizens’ Advice, National Energy Action and Turn2us. Some local councils also provide energy grants. |
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What documents can I use to organise property alterations and payment arrangements?
If you’re a landlord, consider using a Landlord consent to alterations letter to allow your tenants to make specified changes to their rental property. If you receive a Letter proposing payment in instalments from a tenant and agree with their request, consider responding with a Letter accepting payment in instalments. If your tenant asks for a rent holiday and permission to delay rental payments and you agree, use a Rent repayment agreement to act as a record of the rent deferral.
If you’re struggling to make payments on your energy bills, consider using an Energy repayment plan to arrange an affordable payment plan with your energy provider. If you are struggling to make any other payments, consider using a Letter proposing payment in instalments to propose a repayment schedule. For more information, read Repayment agreements.
If you’re in doubt about your rights regarding energy bills or debt, don’t hesitate to Ask a lawyer for further guidance.