Half of British households expect to be more sustainably in the next year due to the energy crisis.

According to research by Energy Helpline, 47 percent said that cutting down on their energy use at home was a priority.

Soaring wholesale costs have caused the energy crisis. This has led to many suppliers going under and prices for households rising across the country.

This has sparked nationwide concern with many now hoping to cut their bills – and help the environment – by using more energy efficient products, or using less energy altogether.

Greener: Many households are now trying to become more sustainable after the energy crisis

Greener: Many households are trying to be more sustainable after the energy crisis

Energy Helpline surveyed 1000 people in October to see how the energy crisis had affected consumer behaviour.

40% of respondents said that the energy crisis has made them prioritize purchasing energy-efficient products. 24% wanted to switch suppliers.

Some respondents desired to take more costly measures. 18% stated that they wanted to produce their own energy at their home, for instance, by installing solar cells.

The Government is trying to encourage consumers to make more environmentally-friendly choices, to help it reach its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Many people face financial difficulties. The cost of insulating and installing low carbon heating options in a typical home is estimated to be around £10,000. 

Energy Helpline’s survey found that 41% thought the Government should pay the entire bill, while 24% believed energy suppliers should cover the costs. 

Among other things, 51% feel that the Government has not been supportive enough during the ongoing energy crisis. 42% suggest that energy suppliers should provide more support for households.

Energy bills are one of the main concerns this year with 70 per cent still worried about being able to pay their energy bills this winter.

27% of respondents believed that they would need to make major sacrifices such as purchasing less food or less energy.

A number of families with children said they are concerned about how they'll pay their bills

Many families with kids expressed concern about how they will pay their bills.

Another 19% of respondents were concerned that their health would be affected if their home was not heated properly. This number is up to 24% among 18-29 year olds. Another 18% worry they’ll end up in debt.

Despite the fact that many people struggle to pay their energy bills and the high cost of living, 50% said they had not heard of the current support programs the Government offers, such as the Cold Weather Payout, Warm Home Discount, or Winter Fuel Payment.

Mark Bennett, Energy Helpline’s energy expert, stated that while it is clear that the energy crisis has caused millions of households to worry about their bills, we are increasingly looking for sustainable solutions to reduce our bills.

These behavioural changes can help combat climate change. However, consumers believe everyone in energy can and should do more to support Net Zero. There is less responsibility on the individual.

“Given how many households are unaware of the help that is available, it’s important that suppliers do more to inform and educate customers.”

Annual energy costs have to rise by £76 to tip homes with children into financial difficulty

Annual energy costs have to rise by £76 to tip homes with children into financial difficulty

Families with young children are concerned about how to pay their energy bills

Separate research from Compare the Market found the new energy price cap increase of £139 is set to push two in five families into debt with their supplier.

Some 43 per cent of families with children at home said that if energy bills increase it will push them into debt with their energy provider – more than double the amount of those without children.

Annual energy costs need only rise by an average of £76 to tip households with children at home into financial difficulty – but the price cap has risen by far more.

The price cap increase could lead to financial difficulties for the 23% of families with children who are on a Standard Variable Tariff and the 17% who are on a prepayment meters.

16% of families with kids at home say they are in arrears to their electricity provider in the last 12 months.

Another 32 per cent are not currently in debt but were worried they would  soon fall into arrears. 

Comparing the Market survey results, however, shows that 19% of those without children at home said they were concerned about energy-related debt. 

This will become a larger problem due to cold weather increasing energy use and the ongoing gas crisis.

Director at Compare the Market Ursula Gibbs stated that rising energy costs are a major concern for millions of households in the UK. This is especially true for families with young children. Unfortunately, the current energy crisis shows no signs of abating.

‘The price cap rise is a concern to many and millions are facing a significant rise in their outgoings as the result. This will unfortunately push many to debt with their supplier.

“With winter coming, a season when usage tends towards increasing, people are worried that the additional cost might push them into red.”

“People in financial trouble should talk to their supplier to find out what support is available. They can also find out if the government’s Warm Homes Discount scheme is available to them.

Compare the Market surveyed more that 2,000 adults between 15-17 October 2021.

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