Almost three quarters of Brits put off turning the heating on in their home as a result of concerns surrounding energy costs, new data revealed on Thursday.
Conducted by the comparison site Moneyexpert.com, the research revealed that 72% of British people admit to restricting their use of heating because of concerns about energy costs.
Moreover, the research found that a quarter of people wear extra jumpers and a third wrap themselves in a blanket to keep warm.
Meanwhile, 1 in 4 Brits argue about whether or not the heating should be turned on, the research found.
Additionally, the cost of winter preparations was calculated, amounting to an average of £402.99 per household. The figure takes into consideration the extra costs associated with the colder months, such as warmer clothing, extra spent on energy, budgeting for Christmas, and any seasonal household expenses.
“It’s alarming to see that the vast majority of people are restricting the heating in their homes due to cost concerns, and with 74% expecting their bills to rise this winter, it’s more important than ever to shop around to find a better gas and electricity deal,” Jason Smith, CEO of Moneyexpert.com, commented on the data.
“If you’ve been paying a fixed monthly rate and you are one of the 60% of Brits whose energy plan is in credit at this time of the year, switching supplier now means you will also benefit from a reimbursement, which could go to help with all those extra or unbudgeted for winter costs,” the CEO of Moneyexpert.com continued.
Earlier this year, Ofgem implemented a price cap on default energy tariffs to limit customers from overpaying for energy.
Elsewhere, it was reported at the beginning of October that the market dominance of the Big Six energy companies continues to weaken. These are Centrica, E.ON UK, Scottish and Southern Energy, RWE npower, EDF Energy and ScottishPower; they supply most of the energy to domestic households in Britain.