As a brutal cold snap tightens its grip on the UK, households are facing a double challenge: plummeting temperatures and a fresh increase in energy costs. With Storm Goretti pushing forecasts as low as -12C in some areas, families are seeking affordable ways to stay warm without facing crippling bills.
The January Price Cap Increase
This search for savings comes at a critical time. Ofgem's energy price cap rose by 0.2% from January 1, 2026, pushing the average annual bill for a household on a standard variable tariff in England, Scotland, and Wales to £1,758. This incremental rise adds further pressure to budgets already strained by the cost-of-living crisis and extreme winter weather.
The 1p-Per-Hour Heating Solution
In response, energy experts are highlighting a remarkably efficient alternative to central heating for overnight warmth: the electric blanket. According to comparison service Uswitch, this common household item can provide heat through the night for a mere penny per hour.
"Most electric blankets consume no more than 300 watts on their highest setting, with some single blankets using as little as 40W," explain Uswitch. "Their energy usage falls dramatically on the lowest setting, making it possible to heat a bed for seven to eight hours a night for as little as 1p."
This frugal usage translates to an annual cost of roughly £3.66 if used nightly on its minimum setting. The exact running cost depends on the blanket's energy rating, the temperature setting selected, and the duration of use each night.
How to Maximise Your Savings
Experts recommend practical strategies to keep costs at rock bottom. You can significantly reduce expenditure by setting the blanket to low heat, using it for fewer hours, and avoiding use during warmer months.
Uswitch provides a clear example: "Reducing your 250-watt blanket to half power, using it for just five hours a night, and only using it for 120 days of the year, would cost you 17p a night. This totals just £20.80 across four months of the year."
For optimal efficiency and safety, a common method is to turn the electric blanket to full heat for 10 to 15 minutes before getting into bed, then switching it off. Alternatively, you can set it to a low heat for up to two hours before bedtime, then leave it on a minimal setting throughout the night.
As the UK endures one of the coldest periods of the winter, this advice offers a tangible way for households to manage their comfort and finances simultaneously. With energy prices remaining historically high, such small, smart adaptations can lead to substantial savings on annual bills.
