Nearly half of households to ration energy use this winter as bills soar

As the weather turns colder, almost half (46%) of adults say they’ll use less energy than they should to be comfortable this winter, a survey by National Energy Action found.

Energy bills are set to rise by 10% from today (1 October).

Even in the last three months, when energy costs were lower overall, people were making significant cutbacks:

• 48% turned off more lights than they wanted to (56% of those on a low income)
• 23% had cold meals rather than use the oven (43% on a low income)
• 40% reduced their use of baths or showers (57% on a low income)
• 25% didn't run the washing machine when needed (45% on a low income)
• 4% reduced the use of essential medical equipment like oxygen and hoists

Households struggling to pay energy bills

The charity's findings show that over a quarter (27%) of adults have found it difficult to pay for their energy in the last year.

This rises to almost half (45%) for those on a low income of less than £15,000 a year.

Over a third (37%) of adults on prepayment meters say they have gone without power or heating when they needed it.

National Energy Action says the latest price cap increase leaves six million UK households in fuel poverty.

This comes just days after Ofgem reported that energy debt has reached a record £3.7 bn. A typical household will now face an annual bill of £1,717, up from £1,568.

Adam Scorer, chief executive at National Energy Action, said:

"Millions of households face another dreadful winter, resigned to increasing energy debt or not heating their homes at all. We find ourselves stuck in a predictable loop of increasing prices and inadequate support."

Government urged to provide more support for low-income households

The charity is calling on the UK government to increase support through the warm homes discount scheme and work with Ofgem and energy suppliers to provide direct support to reduce bills, help people at risk of self-disconnection, and tackle record levels of energy debt.

Scorer said:

"There is still time for the UK government to act, but this must be the last winter for the quick fix. Government needs a plan to tackle debt, affordability and to deliver warm homes."

Stay warm and save on energy costs this winter

Whether you're entitled to government support or not, here are some top tips to help you stay warm while keeping energy costs to a minimum this winter:

1. Install thermostats: you can save around £75 a year by installing room thermostats or radiator valves in the most used rooms.
2. Block draughty door frames: fit rubber, foam, brush, or wiper strips to keep heat in and potentially save £60 a year.
3. Keep curtains closed: floor-length curtains can reduce heat loss by around 40%.
4. Don't block radiators: leave 6-12 inches between furniture and radiators for proper air circulation.
5. Insulate pipes and hot water tanks: insulating exposed pipes is cheap (around £1.75 per meter) and reduces heat loss.
6. Reflect heat with tinfoil: put reflective panels or tinfoil behind radiators to spread more heat into the room.
7. Layer clothing: wear thermal vests, t-shirts, jumpers, coats, and thick socks to trap body heat.
8. Find warm spaces: many libraries, community centres, churches and other venues are offering free warm spaces this winter.
9. Get council help: contact your local council about whether you might be eligible for the household support fund for help with energy bills and efficiency upgrades.
10. Check your benefits: you can use our free benefits calculator to make sure you're receiving all the support you're entitled to, like winter fuel payments.