Almost three-quarters of Brits are finding it harder to pay for their energy bills compared to a year ago, new research has shown.
It comes as millions of households across Great Britain could see a rise in their gas and electricity bills, after Ofgem increased the energy price cap by 1.2%.
Between 1 January and 31 March 2025, the annual bill for dual fuel customers who use a typical amount of energy will go up to £1,738 per year, an increase of £21 from the previous cap.
A recent survey has found that 52% of people are concerned about being able to afford their energy bills in 2025. Of those people, 73% said they were struggling more now than they were this time last year.
When asked what their biggest financial worry was going into 2025, 41% of respondents pointed to energy costs, including electricity, gas and home heating oil. A further 23% said the cost of groceries was their main concern, while 17% were most worried about the price of car fuel/commuting costs.
Respondents were asked if they have taken any steps to help them better manage their energy bills. Over a third (35%) said they regularly turn off and unplug electrical appliances when they are not in use, while almost a quarter (23%) said they have reduced spending on luxuries such as holidays, social gatherings and takeaway/restaurant food.
Meanwhile, 15% of those surveyed said they have reduced the number of showers/baths taken in an effort to bring energy costs down, while a further 13% have cut back on other essential spending such as groceries, clothing and toiletries.
Ian Wilson, home insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk said: “Some 26 million homes across England, Scotland and Wales could be impacted by the recent rise in the energy price cap, and so it is worrying that almost three-quarters of people are struggling more now to afford their energy bills than they were a year ago.
“As households continue to be squeezed by high energy costs, it is important for those who are struggling to look for ways to make savings. From reducing your thermostat by just 1°C, to not leaving appliances in standby mode, there are small and simple changes we can all make that can really add up to significant savings over the course of a year.”
In an effort to help struggling households, the savings experts at Tiger.co.uk have explored some of the most effective measures people can take to shave money off their energy bills:
- Lower your thermostat: As heating and hot water bills account for more than half of the typical energy bill, turning down your thermostat by just 1°C can have a significant impact on reducing overall energy costs. If you can, lowering your thermostat from 22°C to 21°C can save £90 a year.
- Switch off to save energy: Many people are unaware of the hidden costs of leaving household appliances on standby mode when they are not in use. These so-called ‘vampire devices’ can consume more energy than we realise, so the simple act of switching them off at the wall can be worthwhile. The biggest energy-leaching appliances in stand-by mode include desktop computers, game consoles, tumble dryers and washing machines.
- Install a smart meter: Smart meters are a great way to keep on top of how much energy your household is using, allowing you to have more control over your budget. These devices can help you see how much energy you are using on a daily, weekly and monthly basis and track when spending is higher than usual, allowing you to make adjustments and save money.
Tiger.co.uk is a leading price comparison website, helping millions of users across Great Britain find savings on energy bills and home insurance.
