Whether it’s twinkle lights or the giant inflatable Father Christmas in your front garden. You might have noticed a significant increase in your Christmas energy bills. It wouldn’t feel like Christmas without the lights. But due to many facing financial difficulties; going dark for Christmas has become a necessity!
After the holiday gift spending is done, January can feel like a daunting task. Particularly when faced with the December energy bill! Don’t let the New Year dampen your spirit. Discover ways to reduce energy costs through renewable energy choices and small day-to-day changes.
How Much More Do You Pay for Energy at Christmas?
With the recent 5% price cap taking place next month; many people will be feeling the growing pressures of returning to normality in January. Facing the everyday aspects of life – such as their energy bills!
6.89p per kWh for gas and 27.35p per kWh for electricity will be set in stone until the end of December. This should cost on average, £1,834. 2022 saw the cap at £2,500 but with an additional £67 a month discount. So, this year’s costs are higher than last year but cheaper than 2021.
How to Cut Your Spending Next Christmas?
Though the festive season has now come and gone, it’s highly possible that next Christmas could see yet another hike in energy bills.
If energy bills are something you’re concerned about at this time of year, there are a variety of methods to help you during the run-up and on the big day itself. It’s never too early to begin preparations for Christmas!
- If not already, introduce LED Christmas lights to your collection, replacing any old ones. Up to 1,000 LED lights left twinkling for 8 hours in two weeks will only cost you 18p.
- To capture the feel of the season, a lot of people like to keep their electric fires running. This can be quite expensive. Running for 4 hours a day in the run-up could cost over £15. Halving this time could save you a substantial amount.
- Christmas films are an essential part of the season, meaning a lot of television watching will add to your bills. Reducing screen times and not leaving appliances on standby can help lower costs.
Can Renewable Energy Save Christmas?
To achieve Net Zero by 2050, the UK is aiming for a transition to renewable energy sources. The country will need nearly all its homes to make the switch.
Big changes can make a big difference. If you don’t want to see your Christmas traditions come to an end next Christmas, here are some renewable energy methods you could install in your home instead.
Heat Pumps
Air and ground source heat pumps take the heat from their respective sources and use it to generate heat for your radiators and water supply. Generating more heat than the energy they use to run; they are four times more efficient than typical gas boilers.
Insulation
A variety of insulation methods help prevent any heat you generate in your home from escaping. This can be fitted in the loft, on solid or in cavity walls and under floors.
Solar
Solar panels use the energy from the sun to generate renewable electricity for your home. They can even work on a cloudy day. But, the more sunshine; the more power they generate!
Energy Advice Helpline
If you’re considering these methods and concerned about affordability, government-backed grants can help you to make these changes. At Energy Advice Helpline, we offer advice on reducing energy bills and guide you to any current grants available to you. You can quickly check your eligibility with our grant eligibility checker.
Below are just some of the grants available;
ECO4
A scheme aiming to improve energy efficiency across the country. It currently focuses on homes that lack a mains gas supply or have a non-condensing boiler installed.
The scheme includes grants towards energy systems, equipment and services. Solar panels, insulation, air source heat pumps, radiators, thermostats, and pipework are all included.
Great British Insulation Scheme
This is a government-funded program that helps eligible households in England, Scotland, and Wales to install energy-efficient insulation measures in their properties.
The scheme is designed to help reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
This scheme helps UK homes with their switch to a renewable energy heating system. As a voucher scheme, it does mean that a contribution will be made by the householder.
Air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, and biomass boilers are all available through the grant, with the government covering a large sum of the cost.
By next Christmas, you may see a return to the magical feeling you remember. Without worrying about Christmas energy costs being through the roof by the time you get your bill in January.
