10 ways to cut energy bills this summer and save hundreds of pounds

Households across the UK are bracing for a sharp rise in energy bills this summer, driven by rising oil and gas prices linked to conflict in the Middle East.

However, there are plenty of ways you can bring down your gas and electricity bill – even in the summer when usage is typically lower.

What is happening to UK energy bills?

The energy price cap will rise by 13% from 1 July 2026, pushing the average household energy bill up by £221 a year to £1,862 for those paying by direct debit.

The increase is largely due to higher wholesale gas prices, placing additional strain on already stretched household budgets.

However, you can still cut your energy bill significantly with a few moves and soften the blow.

Here are 10 simple ways to save money this summer...

1. Switch to off-peak energy times

Many energy suppliers now offer time-of-use tariffs with cheaper electricity during off-peak hours, such as late evenings or weekends.

You’ll usually need to have a smart meter to access these deals.

You can then try to time using appliances such as the washng machine or dishwasher with lower cost periods.

For example, British Gas offers PeakSave Sundays where you can get half-price electricity during set hours at the weekends.

Check if your provider is offering windows for cheaper power and opt in if you need to.  

2. Move to a cheaper energy tariff

Switching to a fixed energy deal could save you hundreds of pounds annually.

Fixed tariffs stop your bills rising when the market changes, helping to give peace of mind over bills.

It comes ahead of worries that the energy price cap will go even higher from the Autumn if the Middle East conflict continues to rumble on.

Use a price comparison site such as Uswitch to help you find the best deal. Just check your current deal for any exit fees before going ahead with a move.

3. Turn Appliances Off at the Plug

Simply turning off televisions, gaming consoles, smart speakers and other gadgets at the source will help lower your energy bills.

This is because items left on standby mode continue to sap energy even when they’re not on.

The Energy Saving Trust estimates this small move alone can save around £45 a year off an energy bill in the UK.

4. Limit high-energy summer appliances

Plenty of summer appliances can rattle through energy usage. Air conditioning units, hot tubs, patio heaters, electric barbeques and fans can all chip away at your budget.

When picking appliances, consider the most energy efficient option to stop your gadget draining your budget after it’s home.

If you have a power hungry item, such as a hot tub, consider ways to bring down costs such as turning down the temperature or buying a cover to increase efficiency.

Or consider whether it’s worth investing in an air fryer so that you can use your oven less.

5. Use free energy solutions

Fairy lights are a great way of decorating your garden in the summer, but there are plenty of solar energy options that won’t add to your energy bills.

You could also invest in solar power security lights rather than using electrical options.

6. Cool your home without air conditioning

Air conditioning units can be a pricey way of cooling your home during hot weather.

Instead, try keeping curtain drawn when the sun is shining through to avoid a greenhouse effect.

Try placing a bowl of ice in front of a traditional fan, so that it pushes the cooled air through the room.  

7. Make small everyday changes to save energy at home

Lots of small changes to the way you use energy around the home can add up to significant savings over a year.

Remember to turn lights off when you’re not in the room and only run the dishwasher or washing machine when it’s full.

Another common mistake is boiling the kettle with more water than needed for your morning cuppa.

Being more mindful of how you use energy can make all the difference over time.

8. Insulate your hot water tank

Giving your hot water tank an insulated jacket will help it keep the water warmer for longer so it will have to work less hard (and use less energy) each time it is on.

This is a quick and easy way to save on your bills throughout the year. Jackets cost from around £20 and you stand to recoup the costs through energy bill savings within a year or so.

9. Improve fridge and freezer efficiency

Your fridge and freezer often have to work harder and use more energy to stay cooler in the summer.

Making sure that the appliances are not full to the brim to help air better circulate and increase the efficiency.

Also check and fix any faulty seals and defrost your freezer when it’s needed.

10. Take shorter showers

You may be working up more of a sweat when the weather is warmer and be showering more frequently than in the winter.

Try to keep your wash down to four minutes and under to save on energy, as well as water bills.

Consider popping on your favourite song when you get in the shower and aim to be out when it finishes.