Household bills are set to increase nationwide. In the face of that, Americans are already doing everything they can to save money on transportation. With the advent of April, often dubbed “awful” due to the expected surge in utility costs, many are seeking ways to manage their expenses effectively. Anyone receiving Pension Credit automatically becomes eligible for the government’s Warm Home Discount. This program was created to assist people who are in need, struggling with increasing energy costs while living on a fixed income.
One of the leading suggestions for keeping escalating expenses in check is to haggle. Alice Haine from Evelyn Partners advises consumers to “shop around for better deals, and haggle with your existing provider.” This small proactive adjustment adds up to thousands of dollars in savings on everyday household spending.
Using less energy overall is another way to keep bills affordable. This positive experience continues with the Energy Saving Trust advocating for smart meters for both electric and gas. These smart meters allow consumers to track their energy consumption and identify the largest energy hogs. In addition to cutting costs, these devices can help consumers understand their consumption patterns and make informed decisions that save on energy usage and associated costs.
There may be opportunities in the adjustment of boiler settings to improve efficiency and save money. Martin Lewis, founder of consumer advice website MoneySavingExpert, recently highlighted making sure your boiler is set to the right settings to save you money. For people who have combi or conventional boilers, it could be useful to change the setting to help save on energy bills.
For people charging EVs or using appliances overnight, shifting to cheaper night tariffs may be beneficial. Incorporating this strategy with broader plans to improve energy efficiency by promoting the use of energy during off-peak hours would provide deeper savings on utility bills.
The other big one is respecting water as a valuable resource. Alice Haine underscores the importance of conservation by stating, “You have to treat water as an expensive resource.” When homes switch to more mindful habits of water usage, widespread cost savings are possible.
The UK’s independent energy regulator, Ofgem, is increasing the gas and electricity price cap by 6%. This fundamental shift is leading millions of consumers to evaluate new energy tariffs and programs. Choosing a fixed-rate contract can bring some certainty to household budgets as consumers try to keep up with rising energy costs linked to the turbulent market.
If you’re more than 75 and claim Pension Credit, you can get extra relief. Take advantage of the many discounts available to help offset the cost of inflation. Knowing about and taking advantage of these benefits that are out there can be a gamechanger in helping people counteract increasing costs.
Temperature regulation inside our homes is just one part of how we control energy costs. Save on heating costs by keeping your home at a comfortable, healthful level of 18°C to 21°C. Take it from money saving expert Martin Lewis – “heat the person, not the house”.
