10 energy myths busted - from smart meters to keeping appliances on standby
03.09.2022 - 12:53
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
The price of energy will skyrocket again in October, Ofgem has warned. Last week it was announced that the energy price cap will rise to £3,549 per year on October 1, for those who choose to pay via direct debit on a default tariff.
This will put pressure on families and households who are already struggling to deal with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The cap is currently set at £1,971, meaning the increase is a huge 80 per cent.
To help keep bills down and ensure families are using their appliances the right way, the Mirror has debunked ten common myths about energy usage.
Wrong - the price cap isn't a total cap on your bill. Instead, it's a limit on the rates that your supplier can charge for the energy you use - meaning if you use more gas and electricity, you'll end up paying more.
The price cap also sets a maximum rate for the daily standing charge, which is what you pay to have your home connected to the grid. Depending on how you pay, there are different price caps as well.
The price cap for customers on a default tariff who pay by direct debit is currently set at £1,971 per year, but is rising to £3,549 in October. For those paying by prepayment meter - usually vulnerable households or those struggling to pay their bills - there is an even bigger jump from £2,017 per year to £3,608.
Standard credit customers - so where you pay once you've received your bill - will see their price cap rise from £2,100 per year to £3,764. These figures are representative of a household with typical energy use.
It's unknown whether this is true or not. According to energy experts at Uswitch, there is "no absolute proof" as to whether hand-washing your dishes or using a dishwasher is more energy-efficient.
It depends on how