Tips and Advice

Energy Saving Tips and Advice

photo of solar panels and wind turbines

Saving energy is about more than just lowering your bills- it helps protect the planet and create a sustainable future.

When we reduce our energy use, we help cut pollution from power stations, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and slowing down climate change. Using less energy supports energy security by reducing demand on power grids. As a result, we can rely on greener energy instead of fossil fuels such as coal and oil to meet our needs.

As mentioned above, saving energy also helps lower our utility bills. This, paired with the environmental impact, means energy conservation leads to cleaner air, a healthier planet, and a more sustainable future for everyone.

 

Here are some practical tips for ways you can save energy:

  1. Switch to LED lighting- LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs
  2. Choose energy-efficient appliances with a high UK energy rating
  3. Improve insulation in your home to keep the heat in and reduce heating costs
  4. Take shorter showers or fit a water-efficient showerhead to save hot water
  5. Make the most of natural daylight instead of switching lights on during the day
  6. Turning lights off when you’re not in that room
  7. Switch appliances off at the wall when not in use- leaving them on standby can use as much energy as when they are in use
  8. Wash clothes at 30 degrees or lower- reducing the temperature setting on your washing machine from 40 to 30 degrees could cost you 40% less
  9. Dry your clothes by hanging them outside or inside on a clothes horse instead of using a tumble dryer
  10. When making hot drinks, only boil the kettle with as much water as you need instead of filling the kettle to the top

For more information or tips, you can visit MoneySuperMarket, British Gas and Energy Saving Trust.

We also have a separate page on ways to make your home more energy-efficient through retrofitting.

Dealing with increasing energy costs-

Heating your home to at least 18°C (65°F) is important to keep you healthy. Especially if you are 65 or over, have reduced mobility or have an existing health condition such as heart or lung disease. However, we're aware that this is increasingly more difficult with energy costs going up and the cost-of-living crisis. 

We want to help residents reduce their bills and improve energy efficiency in their homes. For support and more information, visit the dedicated cost-of-living page on Southend Council's website. 

Here is a list of some of the other organisations that can help if you are worried about your energy bills: