Managing winter energy prices

Ahead of energy price increases this winter, learn about the latest price cap and follow tips to save on energy bills 

Energy prices have increased for households in Great Britain from 1 October in line with the Ofgem energy price cap. Our updated energy saving tips are now available in line with the new prices for gas and electricity.  

The cap sets the maximum amount that suppliers can charge for units of gas and electricity and is updated every three months. While wholesale gas prices have stabilised compared to the previous two years, recent increases mean that typical energy bills will remain around £400 higher than three years ago.  

For households in Great Britain who pay for their gas and electricity by direct debit, from 1 October the typical unit rate is 24.50p/kWh for electricity, with a daily standing charge of 60.99p. For gas it will be 6.24p/kWh, with a daily standing charge of 31.66p.For more information, read our response to the October 2024 energy price cap.  

This means people can expect a 10% increase to their annual energy bills to £1,717, adding around £12 a month.

As we head into cooler months, we’ve updated our tips to help people reduce their energy bills. 

Following these tips could save a household in Great Briain around £200 to £300 a year on energy bills*:  

Keep the heat in  

1. Fit DIY draught proofing strips to windows and doors: save £40
2. Seal suspended timber floors: save £40
3. Fit a chimney draught excluder to any open chimney: save £55
4. Top up hot water cylinder insulation from 25mm to 80mm: save £40. 

For bigger savings, invest in a full set of heating controls 

If you don’t have a programmer, room thermostat or thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) then fitting them and using them correctly could save you around £110 on your annual energy bills. If you already have a programmer and thermostat, install TRVs for a saving of around £35. 

Switching off   

1. Turn appliances around your home off standby: save £45. 
2. Turn off lights in any rooms you’re not using: save £7. 

In the kitchen  

1. Wash clothes at 30 degrees: save £12. 
2. Run your dishwasher when full and cut one run per week: save £12. 
3. Boil the amount of water you need in your kettle and fit a kitchen tap aerator: save £29. 

*Savings are calculated for a typical gas-heated home in Great Britain using average fuel prices, correct as of October 2024.

• gas price: 6.24p/kWh
• electricity price: 24.5p/kWh

The total saving range of £200-£300 a year reflects the possible combination of tips. Not all households will be able to carry out each action.  

There’s some help for people to help manage energy bills and improve home energy efficiency, across Great Britain and Northern Ireland. For more information, visit our advice on financial support for home energy efficiency.