UK residents are pouring money down the drain every time they make a cup of tea, the energy regulator has warned.
Ofgem has issued a list of money-saving tips to households buckling under the strain of soaring bills, and top of the list of “everyday errors” is the humble overfilled kettle. The warning comes just days after the watchdog confirmed the price cap tariffs would go up 13% – a rise blamed on wholesale gas prices driven up by conflict in the Middle East.
The price cap rise itself has drawn sharp criticism from consumer groups. Gillian Cooper, Director of Energy at Citizens Advice, said the July rise would be “painful news for already stretched households,” and called for the government to finally roll out its long-delayed energy Debt Relief Scheme.
Adam Scorer, chief executive of National Energy Action, branded the increase a “red energy warning” and urged ministers to let Ofgem expand its debt relief efforts.
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition said nearly 5.5 million homes will now spend a fifth of their income on energy.
Boiling only the water you need each time is one of the tips Ofgem included in a ten-point checklist issued via social media, alongside advice on appliances, insulation and heating.
The full list urges Brits to:
- Stop overfilling the kettle
- Swap the tumble dryer for an airer or washing line – a potential £50-a-year saving
- Trade baths for four-minute showers
- Switch off gadgets at the wall instead of leaving them on standby – worth around £45 annually
- Only run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads, on eco settings
- Turn the thermostat down by just one degree, keeping rooms between 18°C and 21°C
- Draught-proof doors and windows, taking care not to block vents
- Fit a hot water cylinder jacket to stop heat leaking away
- Request a free smart meter to track usage in real time
- Top up loft insulation before winter bites
Taken together, Ofgem says the changes could save a typical household more than £300 a year.
Anyone struggling to pay their bills is encouraged to contact their supplier directly to register for extra help – including hardship schemes, flexible payment plans, and the Priority Services Register for vulnerable households, which Ofgem itself recommends on its consumer advice pages.
Ofgem can be contacted via its official consumer advice channels for guidance on switching suppliers, disputing bills, or seeking support with energy debt.