Energy bills are forecast to rise by 13% from July, adding around £221 a year to the average household’s costs and taking annual bills to an estimated £1,862.
With many families already struggling to balance budgets, experts are warning that some may turn to borrowing just to cover essential bills.
The pressure is already being felt by families across the UK. Analysis by financial app Updraft found Google searches for “energy bill support” have soared by 300% over the past year as households look for ways to cope with rising costs.
Why households are feeling the squeeze
The latest warning comes as rising utility costs continue to put pressure on household finances.
According to Ipsos research, more than a third of Britons are already finding it difficult to cover their energy costs, raising concerns that another price increase could push more households into financial difficulty.
Aseem Munshi, founder of Updraft, said: “Many households across the country are already feeling the strain of rising energy prices.”
“As these essential costs increase, vulnerable households may turn to credit cards, overdrafts, or loans to cover these bills.”
“However, over time, this can lead to growing debt and a significant financial burden.”
3 changes that could save £433 a year
While households cannot control wholesale energy prices, experts say small changes at home could make a significant difference.
According to Updraft’s analysis, three simple habits could save households up to £433 a year.
1. Unplug ‘vampire devices’
Many electrical items continue using energy even when switched off.
Known as “vampire devices”, televisions, gaming consoles, chargers and kitchen appliances can quietly add to electricity bills throughout the year.
Munshi explained: “Vampire devices are appliances and electronic devices that continue to draw electricity when they’re plugged in, even if they’re switched off or not actively being used.”
“This ‘phantom power’ can quietly increase household energy bills without people realising it.”
He estimates that unplugging unnecessary devices could save households up to £147 a year.
2. Batch cook your meals
Cooking several meals at once can reduce both food waste and energy usage.
Using an oven for an hour every day can cost households almost £200 a year, according to estimates cited by Updraft.
Munshi said: “To lower this cost, cook multiple meals at once, portioning them into containers and storing them in the fridge or freezer to be warmed up and eaten at a later date.”
“Batch cooking helps to save time, reduce food waste, and can save up to £100 a year for the average household.”
3. Spend less time in the shower
Hot water remains one of the biggest contributors to household energy bills.
A 10-minute electric shower can cost around 73p, adding up to more than £266 over a year.
Munshi suggests shortening showers dramatically where possible.
“Reducing shower time by a few minutes each day can make a noticeable difference to annual energy spending,” he said.
“One easy way to stay on track is to shower to a favourite three-minute song.”
According to the analysis, cutting shower times from 10 minutes to three minutes could save households up to £186.52 annually.
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‘Small changes can make a big difference’
With another energy price increase approaching, experts say acting now could help soften the impact later in the year.
Munshi said: “Making small changes to everyday habits can help reduce energy consumption and keep bills under control.”
“Planning ahead now can help households avoid financial pressure later in the year.”
For many families facing another rise in household costs, those savings could prove increasingly valuable in the months ahead.
