Both EDF Energy and the Energy Saving Trust offer a range of energy-saving tips
Many people are worried about energy bills this winter(Image: Getty Images)
Numerous Brits are wrestling with higher energy bills this winter following Ofgem’s recent 0.2% price cap increase, which followed a 2% rise between October and December. However, EDF Energy offers several tips that may reduce its impact, including a simple habit change.
It may seem too simple, but the energy provider’s advice boils down to exactly how long you spend in the shower. While studies suggest many of us spend up to 10 minutes washing each time, slashing this to just four could significantly cut energy consumption.
In a 2024 online energy-saving guide, EDF explained: “Cutting your shower time to 4 minutes can save you around £60 a year on energy bills. Do you prefer baths? Consider swapping one bath a week for a shorter shower or running shallower baths to save water.”
EDF Energy certainly isn’t alone in recommending this rule either. Britain’s Energy Saving Trust also explains that shortening your shower time will not only save money but could conserve approximately 17,000 litres of water each year.
The Trust’s estimates differ slightly from EDF Energy’s, suggesting that most households could save about £45 each year by taking showers lasting no more than four minutes. For households in Northern Ireland, this saving could rise to £65.
The Energy Saving Trust explained online: “Shortening the time that you spend in the shower will reduce the volume of water that goes down the drain, as well as saving you money on the energy used to heat the water.”
Both EDF Energy and the Energy Saving Trust offer numerous additional tips for saving energy beyond showering. Another vital piece of advice regards draught-proofing, which involves plugging gaps around doors, windows and chimneys to prevent heat from leaking out.
Thermal cameras are especially useful for detecting heat loss in properties, as they measure surface temperatures. Homeowners can see the warmest areas in red and the coldest in blue.
Addressing common heat-loss points such as windows, doors, and skirting boards can help keep your property warmer for longer, reducing the need to turn up the heating. Households with flexible budgets may also opt for a professional thermal survey, which costs approximately £300 for smaller homes and £750 for larger ones.
For more energy-saving tips you can head to EDF Energy’s blog here and The Energy Saving Trust’s website here.
What is the energy price cap?
The energy price cap for England, Wales and Scotland increased by 0.2% between January 1 and March 31, 2026, meaning typical dual-fuel households are paying around £1,758 annually. While 0.2% may seem like a small increase, the new value is £20 higher than the level between January and March 2025.
Ofgem explains that its energy price cap is the ‘maximum amount’ that energy suppliers can charge you for each unit of energy and the ‘standard charge’ if you are on a standard variable tariff. Despite the general estimate of what ‘typical’ households might pay, the exact rate will vary based on factors such as your location, the type of meter you have, and your payment method.
Not everyone is affected by Ofgem’s price cap, but those on a default tariff who pay for electricity and gas through standard credit, Direct Debit, a prepayment meter, or an Economy 7 meter are generally affected.
Official guidance from Ofgem adds: “The actual amount you pay will depend on how much energy your household uses, where you live and the type of meter you have.
“You could pay less for your energy by changing your energy tariff or payment type. Find out if you can change or fix your tariff and how to switch energy supplier. Tell your energy supplier if you cannot pay your bills. They must help you if you ask. They could set up a repayment plan or provide you with emergency credit.”
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