British Gas is urging UK households to follow a vital '30C rule' this summer as energy bills are set to rise by over £200. Energy regulator Ofgem has confirmed a 13 per cent increase of the energy price cap for the period covering 1 July to 30 September 2026. If you pay by monthly Direct Debit, the new Price Cap will be £1,862 a year on average for a typical dual-fuel household - a rise of about £221 a year.
How the 30C Rule Can Save Money
To help families manage the price rise, British Gas is recommending lowering your washing machine temperature to 30C, which could reduce your energy usage by as much as 40 per cent. Up to 90 per cent of the electricity a washing machine consumes goes towards heating the water. Therefore, lowering the temperature from a standard 40C down to 30C can cut energy usage by 40 per cent, while dropping to a cold 20C wash can save more than 60 per cent. This in turn can lower your energy bills.
British Gas's Additional Tips
British Gas said: “Heating and hot water account for over half of your energy bill, so it’s a good idea to keep track of what you use. Lowering your washing machine to 30°C could reduce your energy usage by 40%. Turn down the temperature – most modern detergents can clean effectively at 30C. Tumble dryers are one of the most power-hungry appliances, so use them sparingly. A heated clothes drier is more economical if it’s too wet to dry laundry outside. Most busy households do this anyway but try to only run full loads in your washing machine and tumble dryer so you’re not using them more than you need to.”
Government Response to Price Rise
Regarding the energy bill price rise, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “The rise in the price cap because of a war we did not choose is deeply unwelcome news for households across the country. We know people were under pressure before this crisis, and that’s why easing that burden is our number one priority. We will continue to monitor the situation ahead of the winter and plan for all contingencies. In the immediate term it is essential to de-escalate this conflict to bring oil and gas prices down and as Britain faces the second fossil fuel crisis of this decade, we must learn the right lessons.”
