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Could energy bills rise again? 12 ways families can cut costs now

Could energy bills rise again? 12 ways families can cut costs now

Oil and gas prices have jumped again after Iran’s leadership change. Here’s what it could mean for UK energy bills – and how to save.

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Published: March 9, 2026 at 1:45 PM

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Gas and oil prices have climbed again, as the conflict in the Middle East continues.

The benchmark UK gas price jumped to 158p per therm on Monday morning, up from 137p on Friday. While that is still far below the spikes seen in 2022, it is a sharp rise in a short space of time.

There is no immediate change to household bills because the current energy price cap runs until July. But if wholesale prices remain high, analysts warn the next cap could rise.

If you are already stretching your monthly budget, now is a good time to focus on the parts of your energy use you can control. Here is what the latest developments could mean for families, plus practical ways to cut costs at home.

Will my energy bills go up?

At the moment, most households on a standard variable tariff are protected by the energy price cap, which limits what suppliers can charge per unit of gas and electricity.

Business reporter Mitch Labiak noted that while prices have jumped, “we’re not at 2022 levels”. During the energy crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, UK gas prices surged to well over 600p per therm.

However, if gas prices stay elevated, this could feed into a higher price cap from July.

Deputy economics editor Dharshini David said predictions of inflation staying at 2% “seem set to be derailed” at current energy price levels, although economists are not expecting a return to double digit inflation.

In short, there is no need to panic, but there is sense in being prepared.

12 smart ways to cut your home energy bills now

1. Drop your thermostat by 1°C

Turning your thermostat down by just one degree could save around £90 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust. For healthy adults, 18°C is generally considered adequate, though homes with babies, young children or elderly relatives may need to be warmer.

2. Reduce your boiler flow temperature

If you have a combi boiler, lowering the flow temperature to 60°C or below can improve efficiency. Nesta says this could cut gas bills by around 4%. Check your boiler manual or speak to a Gas Safe engineer if unsure.

3. Keep showers to four minutes

A four minute shower could save around £45 a year in energy. Turning the water off while shampooing also reduces hot water use.

4. Swap one bath a week for a shower

Swapping just one weekly bath for a short shower could save up to £10 a year.

5. Wash at 30°C

Most everyday laundry can be washed at 30°C. Cutting one washing machine cycle per week could save around £27 annually.

6. Only run full dishwasher loads

Reducing dishwasher use by one cycle a week could save about £11 a year.

7. Avoid the tumble dryer

Tumble dryers are among the most expensive appliances to run. Air drying clothes when possible could save around £50 a year.

8. Turn appliances off standby

Switching devices off at the plug instead of leaving them on standby could save around £45 annually. Leave fridges and freezers on, but power down consoles and TVs when not in use.

9. Draught-proof doors and windows

DIY draught proofing can make your home feel warmer for less. Professional draught proofing for windows and doors could save around £85 a year, but simple excluders and sealing strips are far cheaper.

10. Check your fridge and freezer settings

Your fridge should sit between 3°C and 5°C, and your freezer at -18°C. Colder than that wastes energy without improving food safety.

11. Boil only the water you need

Not overfilling the kettle could save around £10 a year. It is a small, easy habit that quickly adds up.

12. Submit regular meter readings

If you do not have a smart meter, send readings regularly to avoid estimated bills and sudden catch-up charges.

Should families be worried?

The situation is evolving quickly, and markets remain volatile. But experts stress that current gas prices are still well below the extreme highs of 2022.

For now, the price cap offers short term protection. Focusing on small, manageable changes at home can help cushion your budget if bills do rise later in the year.

With so much outside our control, taking practical steps inside the home is one way to feel more confident about whatever happens next.