With energy bills set to increase once again in January, UK households are being urged to adopt a simple 64p trick that could save them approximately £870 over the winter period.
The Price Cap Rise and Winter Bill Shock
The call to action comes as the energy regulator, Ofgem, announced a 0.2% rise in the energy price cap for the period covering January to March 2026. This follows a confirmed 2% increase in October, which pushed the average annual bill to £1,775.
These consecutive hikes mean that managing household energy use is more critical than ever to avoid spiralling costs during the coldest months.
The Simple Swap for Significant Savings
According to Updraft, a consumer credit expert, the solution is surprisingly straightforward. The recommendation is to use a heated blanket during cosy evenings instead of relying solely on central heating.
Based on calculations using upcoming average unit rates and standing charges, Updraft reveals the stark difference in cost:
- Running a heated blanket for five hours on a typical winter evening costs around 64p. Over a 120-day winter, this totals roughly £77.
- In contrast, keeping a gas boiler on to heat an entire home for the same five-hour period can cost nearly £8 for just one evening. Over the winter, this balloons to around £947.
This simple swap could therefore save households around £7.25 per day, accumulating to approximately £870 in total savings throughout the winter season.
Expert Insight on Cumulative Energy Costs
Aseem Munshi, Founder of Updraft, emphasised how small, daily energy expenses can lead to large bills. "Some people underestimate how quickly energy costs add up," he commented.
"Even small daily expenses, like leaving a boiler on for a few extra hours or using multiple appliances at once, can multiply over weeks and months. When price caps rise, these costs become even more visible."
He explained that it's the cumulative effect of energy use over time that causes the sharp difference in winter bills. Understanding this makes it easier to see how targeted, simple swaps, maintained throughout the season, can have a surprisingly large impact on overall spending.
Adopting a heated blanket is a practical and efficient way to stay warm while taking control of rising energy costs this winter.
