Many face energy bills shock after October 1

Families should be taking steps to reduce their energy bills from next month, with October 1 the traditional date for turning on the central heating.

Green energy expert, Andy Boroughs, said although the current autumn heatwave may mean households benefit from an extra few days without having to turn up the thermostat, around £135 will be added to the average annual dual fuel bill in October.

Mr Boroughs, who was instrumental in introducing low carbon heating technology to the UK, said it wasn't too late for homeowners and businesses to look at way they could cut down on their energy use.

He said: “On the same day most people turn on the heating, nPower is increasing its gas prices by 16 per cent and electricity by 17 per cent. This will be the fifth of the big six utility providers which has increased its prices, with the average family facing an annual bill this year of around £1300.”

The sixth provider to raise prices will be EDF Energy in November, putting an extra 15 per cent on its tariffs which means an extra £183 on the annual bill for more than three million customers.

Mr Boroughs, managing director of Welshpool-based Organic Energy, said this year's increases in energy bills could also be the tipping point for consumers, who are beginning to realise that green heating systems could be a long-term answer to rising costs.

He said: “In the short-term, energy bills can be reduced by taking simple steps such as insulating lofts and wall cavities, and there is financial support available for this. And of course, turning appliances off instead of leaving them on standby, lowering your washing machines temperature and only filling the kettle with an much water as you need can help. Even turning you heating down by one degree could help save up to 10 per cent on the heating bills.

“But in the longer term, gas and electricity bills are only likely to go up which means many people are looking for an alternative. Green heating systems, such as wood pellet boilers, can not only saving on the bills but there are financial incentives available for installing them.

“For example, under the Renewable Heat Premium Payment, £950 is available to eligible householders and businesses installing a biomass boiler. Businesses can already take advantage of the Feed-In-Tariff and from next year, tariff-based support will also be available for the domestic sector. Effectively, you can be paid to be green.”

Mr Boroughs, whose company is the UK's sole distributor of the ÖkoFEN wood pellet boiler range recognised as the most advanced and efficient of its kind in the world.

“Of course, its not just the price of gas and electricity which is volatile, many organisations and homes in Shropshire and Mid Wales/rural areas are off-grid and reliant on oil which is also rising in price.”