Making Savings on Your Energy Bills
Published on 27 March 2025 05:38 PM
The energy price cap is going up on 1 April 2025 which will further increase energy bills for many households. We'd like to share what you can do to reduce your energy bills - including resources from our Energy Saving Workshop last month delivered by Islington Adult Community Learning (ACL).
Increase in the energy price cap
With the energy price cap going up, households that are NOT on fixed energy tariffs will have changes to their bills from 1 April 2025 - households with higher energy consumption will see the biggest increases. The energy price cap sets the price of a unit of gas and a unit of electricity. It does not limit the price you pay - the more energy you use, the more you will pay. It is reviewed every 3 months by Ofgem.
Money Saving Expert says, "So for every £100 you pay for energy now, from April [1st 2025] you'll pay roughly £106.40. Yet, in reality, as the daily standing charge is dropping, some lower users (below £100 a month) will see only small rises, but those who use a lot (above £200 a month) will likely see 7% to 10% increases."
There is also an article about rising energy bills in the Indepdendent which reports recommendations from Ofgem: "Households are urged to send an accurate meter reading to ensure that all energy they use before the higher prices come into effect is billed at the lower rate...Ofgem has also advised that bill payers should consider switching to a fixed tariff, which works by locking in a set rate for gas and electricity for a specific period such as 12 months."
What can you do to protect your energy bills?
See the full Money Saving Expert article on the Money Saving Expert website. This includes a 'What you'll pay from 1 April' calculator to see how the new Price Cap will affect you, more information about the difference between fixed and variable tariffs and a comparison of the deals that are available from different energy companies.
The article in the Independent is as follows - The household bills rising today - from energy to council tax.
If you have questions about your own energy bills and whether you are on the best tariff for your household, contact SHINE Energy. Their details are listed below.
Sharing resources from the Energy Saving Workshop
Apart from thinking about the energy tarrif that you're on, another way of reducing your energy bill is to reduce your energy consumption.
Even if you weren't able to attend, ACL shared resources from the Energy Saving Workshop, so you can catch-up with some of the tips and guidance that were given.
This included how to read different types of utility meters - important in getting an accurate energy bill that reflects your usage to prevent being overcharged or undercharged (and then having a shock further down the line when a reading is taken).
Adult Community Learning - Energy Saving Slides
Test yourself to see if you can identify which appliances using the most energy and where you can get the biggest energy savings!
Switching tarrif, reading different types of energy meters.
A handy checklist with examples of ways to save energy, when it comes to your laundry, heating, cooling etc.
SHINE can help with: Energy and bills advice, Water discount – half price or capped water bills for eligible customers, Energy Doctor home visits, Energy debt support – support, Bill comparisons, Extra Care Services, Heating and insulation grants, Income Maximisation and more!
Call the SHINE Energy Advice Team directly on 0800 953 1221 or 0207 527 2121 for support. Their lines are open 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday. Alternatively, text 07800 006 143.
Tips from attendees
There was a good discussion at the workshop about some energy saving tips that attendees find useful.
The average UK household spends roughly £49.64 to £109.50 per year on boiling kettles, depending on how often and how much water they boil each time. Washing machines typically cost £40 to £50 per year for the average househould. Making small savings to every day energy use can help bring energy bills down.
"Using a gas kettle rather than an electric kettle is more energy efficient"
"Descaling a kettle can help improve its energy efficiency. Use half water and half white vinegar, fill up to three quarters of the kettle, boil the kettle and let it sit for an hour. Give it a good rinse before using."
More information sources
Age UK also has a comprehensive advice section on their website with information about government support, how to look after your boiler and your heating controls: Energy Advice for the Home.
National Energy Action is also a very helpful source of ways to save money on your energy bills. See the National Energy Action website for information guides and details of their helpline.
Thames Water also offers people on a low income help with their water bills.
Find out more about Adult Community Learning courses
Next energy-saving courses: Islington Adult Community Learning DIY Energy Saving Course on 6th May. For further details and how to book, see the flyer.
Other courses: Islington Adult Community Learning (ACL) offers a diverse range of courses aimed at enhancing skills and supporting employment opportunities for residents. These courses are primarily free for Islington residents who are unemployed or low-waged.
For English, Maths, Employment-related courses, Digital Skills courses and fun courses including sewing, carpentry and DIY skills, see the Adult Community Learning website for more information about what's on offer.
To register for courses: they have regular enrolment days at community centres. These are a good opportunity to talk about what type of courses you are looking for and what might be best for you.
See details of the next Enrolment Days in April (Thursday 24 and Friday 25 April).