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Energy Saving Tips

Did you know?

National Grid is not an energy supplier, but we are responsible for managing and maintaining the network of cables and power lines that deliver power to you. 

We know that energy bills are on the rise. So we have worked with key industry partners to provide information and support.

Futureproof your home


Better Insulation, bigger savings

Improving the insulation in your home is an effective way to reduce your energy usage. It stops hot air from escaping through walls and ceilings, keeping your house warmer for longer. 


Cavity wall insulation
About a third of all heat escapes through uninsulated walls.  Insulating cavity walls can help you save significant amounts of energy and reduce energy bills.


Loft insulation
Up to 25% of all heat in your home is lost through the roof if your ceilings aren't insulated. So insulating or even topping up existing insulation to a thickness of 270mm will have a massive impact on energy bills.


Smart Homes

By having a smart meter, it can bring immediate benefits to customers to help take control of their energy usage. It provides households with real time information on energy use in pounds and pence. Energy supplier are responsible for installing smart meters so contact your supplier to see if there is availability in your area.

Also by taking further steps to install technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, or heat pumps into your home, it’s possible to generate your own electricity or heat from renewable sources of energy, such as the sun or wind. This could help you save money on your electricity bills, as well as contribute to reducing the carbon emissions of the UK’s electricity network.

To find out more about smart meters and how to get yours, click here.


ECO Scheme

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government energy efficiency scheme in Great Britain designed to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce carbon emissions.

This Scheme obligates energy suppliers to promote measures that improve the ability of low-income , fuel poor and vulnerable households to heat their homes. This includes actions that result in reduced energy use, such as installing insulation or upgrading a heating system.

The scheme supports energy efficiency measures in the home of those considered to be in fuel poverty. Please contact your supplier to see if you may be eligible for support through the Eco scheme.

Or for more information, visit here.

 

Support available to you

Energy-saving tips

There are many ways to improve your home's energy efficiency and cut your energy bills. Here are some top tips:

  • If you have a timer on your central heating system, set the heating and hot water to come on when you need it. For example, set it to start 30 minutes before you get up in the morning and switch off 30 minutes before you’re due to go to bed.
  • If you have a hot water tank, set the cylinder thermostat to either 60 degrees Celsius or 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat from escaping through the windows. Check for draughts around windows and doors that let cold air in and warm air out, and block them.
  • Always turn the lights off when you leave a room.
  • Don’t leave appliances on standby, and don’t leave laptops and mobile phones on charge unnecessarily. 
  • When you’re doing the washing, try to fill up the machine, tumble dryer, or dishwasher. One full load uses less energy than two half loads.
  • Only boil as much water as you need in your kettle.
  • A dripping hot water tap can waste enough energy in a week to half fill a bath. So fix leaking taps as soon as possible, and make sure they are fully turned off every time.
  • Consider fitting a smart meter and in-home display when you are offered one by your energy supplier. The in-home display will show you how much energy you are using and help identify ways you can save power.
  • Do a home energy check to find out about savings of up to £250 a year on household energy bills by visiting simple energy advice. You’ll receive a full report detailing your home’s energy use and the savings you could make.

We’ve collaborated with Wales & West Utilities and Bristol Water to produce a leaflet with advice and useful information to help you reduce energy and water waste, in order to bring down your bills and have a positive impact on the environment

Find out more