Octopus Energy, British Gas and EDF customers could save £230 with 'series of low-cost adjustments'

Households with British Gas, EDF, EON, OVO and Octopus Energy could cut their annual bills by up to £230 by making small changes to daily routines, according to new guidance.

It comes as the energy price cap stands at £1,641 a year for a typical household paying by Direct Debit between April and June 2026 — a 6.6 per cent drop from the previous cap of £1,758.

Gordon Wallis, an energy expert at Your NRG, outlined a series of low‑cost adjustments that can reduce energy use without major upgrades.

“People often think they need to install smart technology or replace their boiler to cut costs, but in reality small everyday changes can deliver significant savings,” he said.

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One suggestion involves placing bubble wrap on windows to improve insulation, particularly in homes with single glazing.

“A layer of trapped air can reduce heat loss significantly, especially in properties with single glazing,” Mr Wallis said.

Using a microwave instead of a conventional oven for smaller meals can also lower consumption.

“Cooking smarter is one of the easiest wins as you are using less energy for the same result,” he added.

Turning off the preheat function on combi boilers is another measure that can reduce costs.

Mr Wallis said many boilers keep hot water ready throughout the day, and switching off the feature “alone can save around £100 a year”.

Households using tumble dryers can also reduce running time by adding a dry towel to the load or using wool dryer balls.

“These simple adjustments reduce how long appliances need to run, which directly lowers your energy use,” he said.

Switching off internet routers overnight may also lead to modest savings of £20 to £30 a year.

Mr Wallis said some households may also be eligible for additional financial support.

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“There is financial support available that many people never claim and it is always worth checking what help you might be entitled to,” he added.

Energy specialists say households can go further by combining small daily habits with longer‑term improvements.

Farooq Sher, senior lecturer in sustainable energy engineering, said insulation remains one of the most effective ways to cut heat loss, with simple draught‑proofing measures often delivering quick gains.

Stuart Walker, a research fellow in sustainability assessment, highlighted the benefits of switching to electric heating systems such as heat pumps, which can reduce emissions and lower running costs when paired with good insulation.

Stuart Mills, a lecturer in economics, warned that households often underestimate future price rises and may benefit from smoothing payments over the year to avoid bill shocks.

Experts say blocking unused fireplaces and reducing draughts can improve indoor air quality as well as cut energy use.

Jonquil Lowe, a visiting academic in economics, added that many households delay home‑efficiency upgrades due to uncertainty or lack of information, but rising bills may prompt more people to act.

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