New research suggests that while energy bills remain front of mind this winter, many households simply don’t have the time or headspace to act.
A survey of 2,000 UK adults found that 84% feel some level of pressure at this time of year. With everyday costs, work and family responsibilities piling up, it’s little surprise that almost two-thirds (65%) admit they’ve put off making energy-saving changes at home.
February is typically one of the coldest months of the year – and one of the most expensive for heating. Yet for many, saving energy feels like just another task on an already long list.
Time, complexity and mental load
The research points to a common theme: it’s not unwillingness, it’s overwhelm.
One in five respondents said they simply have too much on their mind to focus on energy efficiency. Others cited competing responsibilities (18%), while 15% said energy advice often feels too technical or complicated to put into practice.
At the same time, there is clear willingness to act – if the steps are straightforward. Three-quarters (75%) said they would adopt energy-saving habits if they were simple, low-cost and easy to fit into everyday life.
Three small changes, around £100 in savings
In response, the UK government has partnered with Utilita Energy to promote three practical actions that could save households around £100 a year – without major upgrades or upfront expense.
The recommended steps are:
- Lowering a combi boiler flow temperature to 60°C
- Finding and fixing draughts to stop heat escaping
- Turning radiators down – not off – in unused rooms
Individually small, together these changes can reduce waste and keep homes warmer more efficiently.
Support in the community
Alongside the campaign, residents near Utilita’s 11 Energy Hubs across England are being invited to drop in for a free, in-person review of their everyday energy habits.
The hubs are designed as informal, welcoming spaces where people can ask questions, receive clear advice and identify manageable changes they can make straight away.
Minister for Energy Consumers Martin McCluskey said:
“We know many families are worried about their energy bills, but lead busy lives and hardly have a spare minute to think about how they can save.
“We want to make people aware of the small changes which can make a big difference to help in the short term.
“This is on top of extending the £150 Warm Home Discount so millions of eligible families will receive it every winter for the rest of the decade, and taking an average of £150 of costs off energy bills from April.”
Bill Bullen, CEO at Utilita Energy added:
“Every winter, we see first-hand how stretched people are, and how often energy-saving gets pushed down the list when there’s so much else to think about. This partnership is about meeting people in their own communities, offering simple advice, in plain language, and the chance to talk things through face-to-face. Through our Energy Hubs, our goal is to help households feel more in control and show that saving energy can be simple and manageable.”
