From 1 April 2025, energy bills are set to rise again – and for many households, it’s a painful blow just as we thought prices might finally be settling.
As your local electrician, I know just how tough it can be to juggle rising costs. But here’s the good news: small electrical changes around the home can make a big difference. This blog breaks down what the new energy price cap means for you – and how you can fight back with smart, simple fixes that lower your bills without lowering your comfort.
What’s Changing with the Energy Price Cap?
Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator, has confirmed the new price cap will rise by 6% from 1 April to 30 June 2025. That takes a typical dual-fuel Direct Debit bill to £1,849 a year, up by £94.
This increase includes:
- Electricity unit rate: 27.03p per kWh
- Gas unit rate: 6.99p per kWh
- Standing charges still stubbornly high: 53.80p/day for electricity, 32.67p/day for gas
Even if you’re savvy with usage, standing charges alone could cost the average household over £315 a year before you’ve even boiled a kettle.
So what can you do about it?
5 Energy-Saving Electrical Upgrades That Actually Work
While switching off the lights helps, the real savings come from upgrading how your home uses power. Here’s where an experienced electrician (like me!) can really help:
- Swap Out Old Light Fittings for LEDs
Still using halogens or CFLs? Replacing outdated bulbs with modern LED fittings can cut lighting energy use by up to 80%. Bonus: they last much longer, too – no more flickering kitchen lights! - Install Smart Thermostats and Timers
Smart systems let you control heating, lighting and appliances more efficiently – even when you’re not home. I can help set up timers for water heaters or electric underfloor heating, so they’re only on when you need them. - Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Older white goods (fridges, ovens, tumble dryers) can be power-hungry. I can assess whether your current appliances are costing you more than they should and advise on energy-efficient upgrades, including installation. - Fit Home EV Charging Solutions the Smart Way
Got an electric vehicle or thinking about getting one? Home EV chargers on off-peak tariffs are way cheaper than public ones – and I’ll make sure it’s wired safely and cost-efficiently. - Full Electrical Health Check
Loose wiring, overloaded circuits, or inefficient setups can all lead to energy waste. A quick inspection could highlight hidden problems that are adding pounds to your bill.
Final Thoughts
Rising energy prices aren’t just numbers – they hit home. But you’re not powerless. With some smart electrical improvements, you can take control of your energy usage and your bills.
If you’d like to talk through ways to make your home more energy-efficient, I’d be happy to help. Whether it’s a quick lighting upgrade or a full smart-home setup, I’m here to help you keep costs down and comfort up.
