The festive season is here, but for many, energy bills this Christmas are a worry. With the price cap hovering around £1,755, every penny counts this winter. But don’t cancel Christmas just yet. As a green energy geek, I have found smart ways to keep costs low and spirits high.

The Latest Energy News: What You Need to Know

The headlines this winter are a mixed bag. The energy price cap rose in October and will creep up again in January 2026. This means our unit rates for gas and electricity are still stubbornly high compared to pre-crisis levels.

More critically, the Winter Fuel Payment has changed significantly. It is no longer universal for all pensioners. Only those claiming Pension Credit or specific means-tested benefits will receive it this year. This makes personal energy saving more vital than ever for millions of households.

Cooking Up a Storm (For Less)

Christmas dinner is the main event, but your oven is a power-hungry beast. Here is how to tame it.

• Ditch the Oven: Use an air fryer for roast potatoes and parsnips. It cooks faster and uses roughly half the energy.
• Microwave Your Veg: Steaming vegetables in the microwave retains more nutrients and costs pennies compared to boiling pans on a hob.
• Slow Cooker Hacks: Cook your gammon or red cabbage in a slow cooker. It runs on the energy equivalent of a lightbulb.
• Batch It: If you must use the oven, fill every shelf. Cook the turkey, stuffing, and pigs-in-blankets simultaneously.

Heating: Warm the Person, Not the House

We all want a cosy home, but central heating is your biggest expense.

• The Golden Rule: Turn your main thermostat down by just 1°C. This single action can save you around £80-£90 a year.
• Heated Throws: Instead of heating the whole room, use an electric heated throw. They cost less than 3p an hour to run.
• Radiator Reflectors: Pop reflective foil behind radiators on external walls. It bounces heat back into the room rather than heating the bricks.
• Draught Proofing: A simple “sausage dog” excluder at the door stops heat escaping.

Light Up Your Christmas for Pennies

You don’t have to sit in the dark to save money.

• LEDs are King: Modern LED fairy lights are incredibly efficient. Running 1,000 LEDs for six hours a day costs roughly a tenner for the whole month.
• Timers: Use a smart plug or mechanical timer. There is no need for the tree to twinkle at 3 am.
• Solar Outdoors: For garden displays, stick to solar-powered lights. They have improved massively and cost absolutely nothing to run.

Laundry and Drying

Winter laundry is a nightmare without a tumble dryer, but dryers are energy vampires.

• Heated Airers: These are the “must-have” product of 2025. A heated clothes airer with a cover dries clothes for a fraction of a tumble dryer’s cost.
• Spin It: Give clothes an extra spin in the washing machine before drying. Less water means less drying time.

Key Takeaways

• Turn it down: Lowering your thermostat by 1°C saves significant money.
• Cook smart: Air fryers and microwaves are cheaper than electric ovens.
• Go LED: LED Christmas lights are very cheap to run; don’t stress about them.
• Heat the human: Use heated throws or hot water bottles to stay warm while sedentary.
• Monitor it: Smart plugs help you track exactly what your festive gadgets are costing.

FAQ: Energy Saving This Winter

Q: Is it cheaper to leave heating on low all day? A: Generally, no. It is usually cheaper to heat your home only when you need it.

Q: How much do Christmas lights cost to run? A: A string of 100 LEDs costs pennies for the whole month. Old incandescent bulbs cost much more.

Q: Do radiator panels really work? A: Yes, specifically for radiators on uninsulated external walls. They reflect heat back into the room.

Q: Are air fryers actually cheaper than ovens? A: Yes, for smaller amounts of food. They heat up instantly and cook much faster.

Q: Should I turn off my boiler at night? A: No. Keep it on but set the thermostat lower or use a timer to prevent frozen pipes.