With the cost-of-living crisis putting extra strain on household budgets, many families across the UK are struggling to keep up with rising utility bills. Whether it’s higher gas and electricity costs or steeper water and broadband charges, households are having to make difficult spending decisions. This article offers practical tips and guidance for families looking to ease the burden of utility bills during these challenging times.
1. Check If You Are Getting All the Support Available
Before looking at ways to reduce your utility spending, it’s important to make sure you’re receiving all the financial support you’re entitled to. There are various allowances and schemes available that can help with energy and water costs. Contact your local council to find out if you qualify for any benefits. In addition, if you are a foster carer, you can receive fostering allowances to help cover the cost of utilities used by foster children. Make sure you are getting all the assistance you are eligible for.
2. Be Energy Efficient Around the Home
Simple steps to reduce your energy usage can make a big difference to your bills. Make it a habit to turn off lights when leaving a room and unplug appliances that are not in use. Only run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads. Use energy-saving light bulbs, insulate hot water tanks and pipes, and replace old boilers with more efficient condensing boilers.
When possible, hang washing outside to dry instead of using a tumble dryer. And remember to turn down the thermostat by 1 degree – you’ll barely notice the change in temperature, but it can cut heating costs significantly. Installing insulation, double glazing and draught proofing improves heat retention too.
3. Shop Around for Cheaper Utility Deals
Don’t just stick with your current providers – take time to compare deals and switch to cheaper tariffs. You could save over £100 a year on energy bills alone by going with the cheapest supplier. Use comparison websites to scout for better rates.
Remember that water and broadband providers also offer a range of tariffs, so shop around for savings there, too. And if you’re out of contract with your current supplier, you can likely switch penalty-free. Look out for fixed-rate plans that protect you from future price rises.
4. Use Prepayment Meters to Budget and Save
If you struggle to afford quarterly or monthly utility bills, consider switching to a prepayment meter. This allows you to pay for energy as you use it by topping up a key or card – helping avoid bill shock or debt. While prepayment tariffs used to be more expensive, reforms now ensure fairer rates.
What’s more, if you use an electricity prepayment meter, you qualify for the cheaper Energy Price Guarantee rate that caps unit costs. Paying as you go makes it easier to control spending and stick to a utility’s budget.
Coping with rising household utility bills is tough for families across Britain. Hopefully the practical tips covered here provide some handy ways to ease the burden – from making sure you get all the financial support you are entitled to, shopping around for cheaper deals, and using prepayment meters to stay within budget. Don’t despair – take action today to gain back control of your utilities spending.
