Millions of pensioners across the UK are preparing to take drastic measures to stay warm this winter after the Government voted to axe the winter fuel allowance.
Some 10million pensioners will not get the allowance – worth up to £300 – after MPs signed off on the controversial measure by 348 to 228 on Tuesday afternoon.
As a result, huge numbers of old people are said to be panicking about the allowance cut and are planning to ride buses all day and go to bed at 5pm to stay warm this winter.
But a set of tips, put together by the Energy Saving Trust, shows how pensioners can save money on their energy bills without having to go to such lengths.
From reducing your dishwasher usage to being savvy in the kitchen, these are the best bits of advice for tackling the colder months without a fuel allowance.
An Energy Saving Trust spokesperson said: ‘If you’re spending more time at home, it’s worth being aware of how much energy you’re using and when you’re using it.
‘The best way to do this is by asking your energy supplier to upgrade your analogue energy meter to a smart meter.
‘It comes with an in-home display, which allows you to keep track of your energy usage and how much it’s costing you.
‘A smart meter could also help you to access schemes and tariffs that can reward you for using energy flexibly, potentially helping you to save money on your bills.’
Turn off lights
Turn your lights off when you’re not using them or when you leave a room will save you around £7 on your annual energy bills.
Replacing all the lights in your home with LED bulbs could help you save even more.
Careful with your washing
You can save around £22 a year on your energy bill by using your washing machine on a 30-degree cycle instead of higher temperatures.
Savings can also be made if you reduce your washing machine use by one run per week for a year.
Avoid the tumble dryer
Drying clothes on racks inside where possible can save you £45 a year.
Spend less time in the shower
Keeping your shower time to just 4 minutes could save a typical household £50 on their energy bills.
Those who enjoy a bath will also make savings (an estimated £8 a year) if they swap just one bath a week with a 4-minute shower.
Be savvy in the kitchen
Many of us will admit that we occasionally boil the kettle with more water than we’re actually going to use.
Only boiling the amount of water you need each time you make a hot drink could save you around £9 a year.
Fill your dishwasher
Households are encouraged to only run your dishwasher when it’s full to reduce the amount of water you use.
Reducing your dishwasher use by one run per week for a year could save you £11.
Switch off standby
You can save around £40 a year just by remembering to turn your appliances off standby mode.
Almost all electrical appliances can be turned off at the plug without upsetting their programming.
Standby savers allow you to turn all your appliances off standby in one go to save electricity.