A man has shared his clever strategies for cutting down his energy bill by £150 each month, just in time for the anticipated rise in costs this winter.
From October, it’s expected that gas and electricity prices across the UK will jump by 10%.
Energy experts from Cornwall Insight forecast that, under the new price cap, the average annual dual-fuel bill will climb to £1,717, up from the current figure of £1,568.
As many households search for ways to reduce their energy expenses, 32-year-old Samson Dada believes he’s found the solution after slashing his own monthly fuel bill by over £150.
He emphasizes that there’s one key step everyone should take before October.
“Lock in your tariff as soon as possible,” advised Samson, a publicist from Manchester, in an interview with Absolutely Business.
“If you’re concerned about fixing a tariff and missing out on future savings, it’s unlikely you’ll find a better rate later on.
“I secured mine in February and managed to get an excellent deal.
“I also use an energy app to monitor my usage and pinpoint what consumes the most energy.
“It became clear that my hot water immersion system was one of the biggest culprits for high energy use.
“So, I switched to a much lower day and night tariff.”
Samson previously paid £300 per month for his electricity in his all-electric home, but he’s now reduced that to £150.
As a result, he’s not only cleared a £500 debt on his account but is now actually in credit.
To help others get the best deal, he suggests looking for tariffs with rates close to 5p per kWh for gas and around 20p per kWh for daytime electricity use, with night rates ideally under 15p per kWh.
But that’s not his only piece of advice.
Samson explained: “Always switch off your hot water system when you go on holiday, as it uses far more energy than you realize.
“Also, when switching accounts, check if your energy provider offers a direct debit option.
“With this system, if you receive a higher-than-expected bill during the winter, you won’t need to pay the full amount all at once.
“Your payments during the warmer months will help cover any extra charges during the colder period.
“Additionally, see if your employer offers subsidized heating schemes, as this can also help with costs.”
Beyond hunting for the best energy tariffs, Samson offers practical tips to keep your home warm while saving money.
He added: “Use draught excluders under doors to block out any cold air.
“Check your windows for drafts, and if they’re letting cold air in, seal them with insulating tape, or even thick brown tape.
“Turn your heating on about half an hour before bedtime. This will keep you warm through the night and in the morning, so you won’t need to use as much heat early in the day.
“Alternatively, invest in a thick onesie for lounging around the house. I often find that wearing one means I don’t need to turn on the heating for at least two hours each day.
“Over the course of a week, and then a month, those savings can really add up.”
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