UK households can potentially save up to £259 annually on energy bills by adopting simple habits, according to guidance from British Gas, the country’s largest energy provider. These recommendations, shared after the Christmas period, focus on practical changes to reduce consumption.
Key Energy-Saving Measures
Insulating a hot water tank with a jacket stands out as an effective step, potentially cutting costs by £50 each year. Avoiding the use of a tumble dryer could yield even greater savings of up to £60 annually.
Adjusting laundry routines also helps: washing clothes once a week at a reduced temperature of at least 30°C may save £29 per year. Turning off electronics completely rather than leaving them on standby can reduce expenses by £55 yearly.
Finally, shortening showers to just four minutes offers the largest individual saving, up to £70 a year, bringing the total potential benefit to £259.
Context from Recent Supplier Rankings
These tips arrive amid scrutiny of major energy firms. An annual ranking by consumer group Which? identified British Gas, alongside Scottish Power and EDF, as the lowest performers, each scoring below 60% overall and earning just two stars in customer satisfaction surveys.
Scottish Power ranked last with 56%, particularly criticized for poor complaint handling. EDF followed at 58%, due to limited monitoring of phone and email support lines. British Gas scored 59%, praised for providing substantial support to vulnerable customers but facing challenges in complaint resolution and customer switches.
Response from British Gas Parent Company
A spokesperson for Centrica, the owner of British Gas, emphasized ongoing improvements: “Our investment in customer service is delivering results. Complaints have fallen over 20% each year for the past two years, and both Uswitch and UKCSI (UK Customer Satisfaction Index) have acknowledged the progress we’re making. We know there is always more to do, and we are continually looking at ways to make further improvements for our customers.”
