As the cost of living continues to be a major concern for many UK households, the energy price cap is set to change once again on April 1. Introduced to limit the maximum amount suppliers can charge for gas and electricity, the cap directly impacts millions of homes across the country.
From Tuesday, the cost per kWh of electricity increases by 2.17 pence, meaning households will be paying more for every unit of electricity they use. Trade Radiators are warning households that running just 10 everyday appliances is about to cost an additional £69 from April 1 as the new energy price cap comes into effect. For those on standard variable tariffs (SVTs), which are directly affected by the energy price cap, the increase means a higher cost for everyday electricity use, from running appliances to charging devices and heating homes with electric systems.
Fixed-rate tariff customers, however, will not see an immediate change unless their current plan expires and they switch to a new variable tariff.
Given this increase, it’s more important than ever for households to consider ways to reduce their electricity consumption, such as using energy-efficient appliances and switching off devices when not in use.
Trade Radiators have compared the cost of running the following 10 appliances pre-price increase, and when the price increase comes into effect.
1. Electric shower (9.5 kw) – current cost 157.65p/new cost 171.19p
2. Tumble dryer (3 kw) – current cost 74.58p/new cost 81.09p
3. Kettle (3 kw) – current cost 18.65p/new cost 20.27p
4. Oven (2.5 kw) – current cost 62.15p/new cost 67.58p
5. Air fryer (1.5kw) – current cost 18.65p/new cost 20.27p
6. Electric heater (2kw) – current cost 397.76p/new cost 432.48p
7. Dishwasher (1.5kw) – current cost 37.29p/new cost 40.55p
8. Washing machine (2kw) – current cost 49.72p/new cost 54.06
9. TV (0.1kw) – current cost 24.86/new cost 27.03
10. Games console (0.2kw) – current cost 24.86/new cost 27.03
Nicholas Auckland, energy expert at Trade Radiators, said: “Allowing families to have a rough understanding of how much extra they’re going to need to spend on energy bills is essential when it comes to budgeting. £23 extra per month is a lot, especially as the cost of living continues to rise.
“Luckily, there are some steps households can take to save on energy as much as possible, and as we come into the warmer months, we’ll spend less on heating our homes which will also significantly lower costs”.
He suggests the following tips for saving energy and money:
Use heated blankets instead of electric heaters.
Minimise big screen time.
Use an air fryer instead of an oven where possible.
Only use washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers when they’re full to minimise usage frequency.
Decrease shower time from 20 minutes to 10 minutes.
Only heat the rooms being actively used.
Only boil the kettle with the amount of water required.