How to cut your energy bills after price cap changes

Ofgem's energy price cap limits the unit rates and standing charges that suppliers can charge per kilowatt hour (kWh) of gas and electricity. The cap is reviewed and updated quarterly. While the cap does not fix your total bill — which depends on how much energy you use — it does protect you from extreme price surges. In 2026, bills remain higher than pre-2021 levels for most households, making energy efficiency more important than ever. The average UK household spends around £1,700 to £2,000 per year on energy. The good news is that there are proven strategies that can reduce this by 20 to 40 percent without significantly impacting comfort. If you have not already, compare your current supplier's tariff against market alternatives on Uswitch or MoneySuperMarket — fixed rate deals occasionally offer savings below the standard variable cap rate.

Small behavioural changes have an outsized impact on energy bills. These are the most effective, backed by Energy Saving Trust data: Turn your thermostat down by just 1°C — this saves around £150 per year for a typical home. Use a timer so heating only runs when needed rather than all day. Draft-proof your home: fitting draught excluders on doors and letterboxes costs around £10 to £30 but can save over £60 per year. Switch to LED bulbs throughout your home if you have not already — they use 75 percent less electricity than halogen equivalents. Wash clothes at 30°C instead of 40°C — nearly as effective for most laundry and significantly cheaper. Only boil as much water as you need in the kettle — this alone saves £30 to £60 per year. Turn off devices at the plug rather than leaving on standby — standby power costs UK households an average of £55 per year. Shower for four minutes or less with a water-efficient showerhead.

Beyond behaviour changes, home improvements offer long-term energy savings. Loft insulation is one of the highest-return home improvements — a well-insulated loft can save £200 to £300 per year on heating. Many homes in the UK still have poorly insulated or uninsulated lofts. Cavity wall insulation is similarly cost-effective. The government's ECO4 scheme funds free insulation improvements for eligible low-income households — check your eligibility on the Great British Insulation Scheme website. Smart thermostats like Hive, Nest, or Tado pay for themselves within 12 to 18 months through more precise heating control. Solar panels combined with a battery storage system are increasingly viable as prices fall — the typical payback period is now seven to twelve years, with free electricity thereafter. Check whether you qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme or any local authority grants if considering replacing an old gas boiler with a heat pump.