Millions of Britons to Skip Heating This Winter Amid Rising Energy Costs

Millions of Britons are planning to go without central heating this winter due to escalating energy costs. Research indicates that approximately 6% of households, equating to 1.7 million people, intend to keep their heating off for the entire winter season.

This decision comes as the energy price cap set by Ofgem increased on October 1, raising the annual bill for a typical household from £1,663 to £1,723. For households not on a fixed tariff, their bills are subject to this cap. Further increases are anticipated, with predictions suggesting the price cap could rise to as high as £1,999 in January, a 16% jump that would represent the highest increase in four years.

According to comparison website Uswitch, over a third (37%) of households who plan to forgo central heating could afford to heat their homes but are choosing to save money instead. Of those surveyed, 50% plan to use alternative methods for warmth, such as wearing extra layers, using hot water bottles, and electric blankets. Another 19% intend to use portable heaters, open fires, or log burners.

The National Health Service (NHS) recommends that homes be kept at a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius during winter, though this may need to be higher for vulnerable individuals such as the elderly or those with certain health conditions. Those who are older, disabled, or have a health condition are advised to check if they can be added to their energy supplier's Priority Services Register for additional support.

Despite concerns about rising bills, the number of households abstaining from central heating is slightly lower than the previous year, when over 7% made similar declarations. However, 18% of respondents indicated they would delay turning on their heating for longer this year compared to last year.

For consumers looking to manage costs, switching to a fixed energy tariff could offer savings. Some current fixed deals are priced below both the existing October price cap and the predicted January cap. Resources like This is Money's guide offer comparisons of available energy deals. Fixed tariffs, typically lasting 12 or 24 months, provide cost certainty, which can aid budgeting during colder months. Securing a year-long fix below the current and predicted price caps could offer significant savings. However, consumers should be aware of potential exit fees if they wish to end a fixed deal early, which can be up to £125.