Be More Savvy with Energy and Save Money on Your Bills

In today’s world of rising energy costs, being smarter with your gas and electricity usage isn’t just good for your wallet—it’s essential. Yet, many people overpay on their energy bills without even realising it.

The good news? With a few simple changes, you can cut your energy costs by hundreds of pounds each year—without sacrificing comfort. Plus, if you’re considering switching providers, you can get £50 off your bill. 🐙💡

🛠️ How Are Energy Bills Calculated?

Before we dive into the savings, it’s helpful to understand how your energy bill is calculated.

1. Standing charge – This is the fixed daily fee you pay just for being connected to the gas and electricity supply. Even if you use no energy, you’ll still pay this.

2. Unit rate – This is the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of gas or electricity you use.

   • 1 kWh is roughly the amount of energy needed to:

     • Boil 10 kettles of water

     • Run a washing machine for 20 minutes

     • Power a 100W lightbulb for 10 hours

3. Total usage – Your bill is calculated by multiplying your usage (kWh) by the unit rate and adding the standing charge.

   • Example:

     • Electricity: You use 400 kWh at 28p per kWh → £112

     • Gas: You use 1,200 kWh at 7p per kWh → £84

     • Standing charge: £15

     • Total bill = £112 + £84 + £15 = £211

🔥 How to Save on Your Energy Bill

The easiest way to save on energy is to reduce your usage—and it’s not as difficult as it sounds.

✅ 1. Optimise Your Heating

Heating accounts for over 60% of the average UK energy bill, so making small changes here can save you hundreds:

• Turn down your thermostat by 1°C – This could cut your heating bill by up to 10%.

• Use radiator reflectors – These bounce heat back into the room, reducing wasted heat.

• Close curtains and doors – This traps heat in the room, keeping it warmer for longer.

• Bleed your radiators – This removes trapped air, making them more efficient.

💡 Potential saving:

• Reducing your thermostat by 1°C could save £80–£100 a year.

💧 2. Use Less Hot Water

Water heating makes up a large chunk of your gas bill. Here’s how to use less without noticing:

• Shorten your showers – A 10-minute shower uses twice as much energy as a 5-minute one.

• Use your washing machine at 30°C – This uses 38% less energy than washing at 40°C.

• Fix dripping taps – A single dripping tap can waste 5,500 litres of water a year, adding to your bill.

💡 Potential saving:

• Washing at 30°C could save £34 a year.

• Reducing shower times could save £75 a year for a family of four.

🔌 3. Cut Down on “Phantom Energy”

Many devices use energy even when they’re not in use. This is called phantom or standby energy, and it adds up over time:

• TVs, games consoles, and chargers left on standby still draw power.

• Unplug or switch them off at the wall to stop wasting energy.

• Use smart plugs with timers to automatically cut power overnight.

💡 Potential saving:

• Turning off devices instead of leaving them on standby could save £60–£100 a year.

💡 4. Be Smarter with Lighting

Lighting accounts for around 15% of your electricity bill. Here’s how to cut it down:

• Switch to LED bulbs – They use up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs.

• Turn off lights when you leave a room – Even for a few minutes, it adds up over time.

• Use motion-sensor lighting in hallways and bathrooms to avoid lights being left on.

💡 Potential saving:

• Switching to LED bulbs could save £75 a year.

• Turning off unused lights could save £20–£40 a year.

⚡️ 5. Use Appliances More Efficiently

Your appliances might be using more energy than they need to, but with a few tweaks, you can cut back:

• Only run full loads – Whether it’s the dishwasher or washing machine, full loads are more efficient.

• Use eco settings – Many appliances have eco settings that use less water and power.

• Air dry clothes – Tumble dryers are one of the biggest energy guzzlers. Air drying could save you £60–£100 a year.

💡 Potential saving:

• Using eco settings could save £30 a year.

• Air drying clothes could save £75 a year.

🌍 Switch to Octopus Energy to save money

If you’re looking to save even more, switching energy providers could cut your costs—especially if you’re on a standard tariff.

• Octopus Energy offers some of the most competitive rates in the UK.

• Their energy is 100% renewable, making it greener and more sustainable.

• They have no exit fees, so you’re not locked in.

• You can track your usage in real-time with their app, helping you spot wasteful energy habits.

• Customer service is top-rated, with quick responses and clear billing.

✅ Get £50 off your bill when you switch:

⚡️ Key Takeaway: Small Changes = Big Savings

You don’t need to make dramatic changes to cut your energy bills—small, consistent tweaks add up:

• Lower your thermostat by 1°C → Save £80–£100 a year.

• Switch to LED bulbs → Save £75 a year.

• Turn off standby devices → Save £60–£100 a year.

• Air dry instead of tumble drying → Save £75 a year.

Total potential savings:
💡 £300+ a year—just by making simple, everyday changes.

And don’t forget—you can save even more by switching to Octopus Energy.
👉 Get £50 off with Octopus Energy 🐙💰