As energy costs continue to put pressure on households, many people in the UK are looking for realistic ways to cut their bills. While energy bills often dip during the summer months, keeping your home cool can still lead to unexpected increases in usage and costs.
Recently, ScottishPower commissioned research revealing that two-thirds of Brits (67%) say greener living still feels out of reach. As households look for ways to reduce costs and live more sustainably, small changes can make a big difference. However, ScottishPower’s Greener Living Ambassador, TV architect and presenter George Clarke, argues that small, practical changes at home can make a noticeable difference to both energy consumption and monthly expenses. He and ScottishPower have shared their five top energy-saving tips with the Express.
A smart meter is the first step towards living more sustainably, according to George Clarke and ScottishPower. It can help you track your energy use in real-time, make small changes that can lead to meaningful savings, and unlock time of use tariffs and flexible energy options.
Choose an energy plan that works for your routine
Being energy-efficient isn’t just about how you use power, it’s also about when you use it. Many households don’t realise that shifting usage to off-peak times can reduce costs.
Some tariffs are designed to offer cheaper electricity during specific hours, allowing you to run appliances like washing machines or dishwashers when demand is lower. This not only helps reduce your bill but can also support the use of more renewable energy from sources like wind and solar.
Make some small, low-cost home improvements
A few affordable tweaks that can improve energy efficiency quickly:
Don’t neglect your boiler
The energy experts are urging Brits to book their boiler maintenance this summer. Make sure your boiler is serviced regularly so it runs safely and efficiently. It’s often easiest to book servicing in the summer, when demand is lower, so any issues can be resolved well before winter.
Think long-term investments
If you’re in a position to invest more, options like solar panels or electric vehicles can significantly reduce running costs over time. While the upfront expense is higher, the long-term savings on energy and fuel can be substantial, according to the experts.
Adding battery storage to solar panels can increase the benefit even further, allowing you to store excess energy generated during the day and use it in the evening. In some cases, households may also be able to export surplus electricity back to the grid, creating additional value.
