Consumer champion Vicky Parry reveals the seasonal spending traps – and how to stay ahead as prices threaten to rise again
There’s something about spring that makes us all breathe a sigh of relief.
The heating goes off, the windows open, and it feels like – finally – our energy bills might start behaving themselves. Except… they don’t always.
Because while your heating use drops, your overall energy habits quietly shift – and if you’re not careful, those winter savings can slip away elsewhere.
Energy bills are also predicted to rise again this summer, due to higher oil prices following the start of the Iran war.
I’m not here to ruin anyone’s sunny mood (no one wants to think about their electricity meter while planning a picnic), but I am here to help you stay one step ahead.
And right now, that matters more than ever.
Energy bills may have dropped – but not for long
There has been a bit of welcome relief this spring, with the energy price cap falling in April, bringing the typical annual bill down to around £1,600. But the picture isn’t entirely reassuring.
Experts are already warning that prices could rise again in the summer, driven by global pressures on oil and gas.
At the same time, the UK’s increasing reliance on renewable energy means prices are becoming more unpredictable – with cheaper electricity at certain times, but not necessarily when we’re used to using it.
In other words: the price you pay is changing – but so is the way you need to use energy.
The five spring habits quietly pushing your bills back up
1. Swapping gas for electricity without noticing
When the heating goes off, many households naturally shift towards more electricity use – cooking more, charging devices, running appliances more frequently.
The problem? Electricity is still significantly more expensive than gas per unit.
What to do: Batch cook where possible, air-dry clothes instead of using the tumble dryer, and switch appliances off fully rather than leaving them on standby.
2. Longer evenings = longer usage
Lighter evenings mean more time spent watching TV, streaming, gaming or using multiple rooms in the house.
It feels like free time – but it isn’t free energy.
What to do: Switch to LED bulbs, turn off unused rooms, and use timers for outdoor lighting if you have it.
3. The spring cleaning surge
Spring cleaning might feel productive, but it can quietly drive up your bills with repeated washing machine cycles, tumble drying and extra vacuuming.
What to do: Wash at 30°C, wait for full loads, and take advantage of dry weather to air-dry laundry outdoors.
4. Hot water use creeps up
As the weather improves, we often shower more, clean more and spend more time outdoors – all of which increases hot water use.
And heating water remains one of the biggest costs in any home.
What to do: Cut showers by a minute or two, only boil the kettle with what you need, and consider a water-saving shower head.
5. Ignoring your tariff at the worst time
Spring is when many people stop thinking about their energy bills – but it’s actually the ideal moment to review your deal.
With potential price rises ahead, locking in a better rate now or switching to a smarter tariff could make a real difference.
What to do: Check if a fixed tariff works for you, explore time-of-use deals, and keep your meter readings up to date.
The opportunity most households are missing
There is a silver lining.
As renewable energy becomes a bigger part of the UK’s energy mix, some suppliers are now offering:
- Cheaper off-peak electricity
- Time-based tariffs
- Occasional free or discounted energy periods
For households willing to be flexible, simply shifting when you use energy – like running the washing machine during off-peak hours – can lead to meaningful savings.
My slightly unconventional ways to save (without feeling miserable)
Saving money doesn’t have to mean sitting in the dark. Some of the easiest wins are also the most enjoyable:
- Have a “no-energy night” with candles, board games and no screens
- Make the most of longer days by getting outside instead of staying in
- Cook outdoors where possible to avoid using the oven
- Charge devices during the day rather than peak evening times
It’s not about cutting back – it’s about being smarter with what you already use.
The bottom line
Spring should be the season where your energy bills fall – but that only happens if your habits change with the weather.
Right now, we’re in a narrow window where:
- Prices have dipped slightly
- Further rises are possible
- New ways to save are emerging
Enjoy the sunshine – just don’t let your energy bill quietly creep back up behind the scenes.
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