UK households can potentially reduce their annual energy bills by up to £259 through simple adjustments, according to guidance from British Gas, the nation’s leading energy provider. These recommendations, highlighted after the holiday season, focus on everyday habits to lower consumption and costs.
Key Energy-Saving Strategies
One effective step involves insulating the hot water tank with a jacket, which could cut expenses by as much as £50 each year by retaining heat more efficiently.
Opting out of using a tumble dryer presents another opportunity, saving up to £60 annually by air-drying clothes instead.
For laundry routines, limiting washes to once a week and setting the machine to a low temperature of at least 30°C may yield savings of around £29 per year.
Turning off electronic devices completely rather than leaving them on standby mode helps avoid unnecessary power drain, potentially saving £55 over the course of a year.
Finally, shortening showers to four minutes can lead to the largest individual saving of up to £70 annually, by reducing hot water usage significantly.
Implementing all these changes together totals a substantial £259 in potential yearly savings, making them practical for many families facing rising energy prices.
Recent Performance Ratings for Major Providers
This advice arrives amid scrutiny of energy suppliers’ service quality. An independent consumer survey ranked British Gas, Scottish Power, and EDF among the lowest performers, each scoring below 60% overall and earning just two stars for customer satisfaction.
Scottish Power ranked last with 56%, particularly criticized for poor complaint handling. EDF followed at 58%, due to limited monitoring of phone and email support lines. British Gas scored 59%, praised for support levels but faulted for delays in resolving issues and customer switches.
A spokesman for Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, responded: “Our investment in customer service is delivering results. Complaints have fallen over 20% each year for the past two years, and both Uswitch and UKCSI (UK Customer Satisfaction Index) have acknowledged the progress we’re making. We know there is always more to do, and we are continually looking at ways to make further improvements for our customers.”
