New research by Energy Saving Trust has found that energy bills could rise by £240 in 2022 for a typical three-bedroom, gas-heated home, with this household projected to spend a total £1,360 on energy.
With the expected rise of the energy price cap early next year, many people could see the cost of heating their homes rise to unprecedented levels.
To help people protect themselves against the projected increase, Energy Saving Trust has provided 12 simple tips to save energy, cash and reduce carbon, ranging from draught proofing and reducing shower times, to insulating hot water cylinders.
Ofgem increased the energy price cap by £139 a year at the start of October 2021 and is expected to increase it again in April 2022.
This will affect around 15 million people – meaning that unless people’s energy supply is currently on a fixed tariff, their energy costs will be more expensive. The trust also noted the UK energy sector faces significant difficulty this winter, with more than 20 companies collapsing since September.
Mike Thornton, chief executive of Energy Saving Trust, said: “Rising energy bills are understandably causing concern for people across the UK, with households potentially facing some of the highest energy bills on record this winter. But the good news is that by taking small steps around our homes, we can make a big difference to minimising our energy bills.
“As well as protecting people’s pockets, taking small steps to reduce energy consumption will also help to protect the planet by cutting the carbon emitted from our homes.”