A new survey has found that 92% of UK bill payers made efforts this past winter to cut their energy use, but only a fifth of households implemented the most impactful measures, like limiting hot showers and reducing boiler flow temperatures.
This is according to a new survey conducted by KPMG, which found despite most people trying to keep energy costs down, two thirds (69%) still found their bills to be higher than expected, with 34% saying they were significantly higher.
When comparing the most popular actions, most people opted for switching off lights (53%), but this only had an estimated annual saving of £25.
In contrast, the three most cost-effective measures, which could each save around £100 a year, were only used by around a fifth of households: limiting hot showers (19%), draft proofing (21%), and reducing the boiler flow temperatures (22%).
Those investing in energy efficiency measures opted for upgrading to LED lighting (28%), a fifth (19%) added insulation, a similar number (19%) upgraded to double glazing, while one in 10 invested in carpets (9%).
For those opting for gadgets, also on the shopping list were smart thermostats (17%), heated blankets (16%), and energy efficient appliances (13%).
Those under 45 were more likely to have purchased items to help manage energy costs, with three quarters (73%) of those in this age range buying an energy saving gadget, compared to just 44% of those aged 45 and above.
Simon Virley CB, vice chair and head of energy and natural resources, commented: “Reducing demand and improving energy efficiency couldn’t be more important in getting bills down and ensuring people can heat their homes properly, especially as we have some of the leakiest houses in Europe. Record energy prices have clearly provided the impetus for households to consider how they can save energy, but there still needs to be better information and support out there to help consumers understand the most effective ways to do this.”
The research was conducted by KPMG in the UK, as part of its Consumer Pulse survey, which asked 2,800 bill paying adults during March about how energy prices impacted their behaviour between October 2022 and February 2023.
