When the winter solstice happens on December 21, household energy use will be 60 per cent higher that day compared with the Summer equinox, warns industry specialist Mark Gutteridge.
Mark, managing director of Flipper the energy switching service said: “While people are aware that they are using more light and heat at this time of year, most don’t realise just how much more energy they are consuming and how much that affects their overall annual bill.
“The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year with less than 8 hours of daylight, which means lights will be burning for longer, the heating will be cranked up and UK households on Standard Variable Tariffs will pay over £39 million for the energy they use on this one day!
“In contrast, the summer solstice on June 21 had more than 16.5 hours of daylight, meaning the total daily bill was just £24 million for those same customers. But what is most shocking is had they all switched to a lower tariff back in the summer their combined bill would be £7 million less on December 21.”
Energy suppliers divide users estimated annual cost by 12 – so customers pay them the same amount every month which helps with household budgeting – however it does hide the true cost of the energy people are actually using through the year.
“A household that pays £100 each month may not realise they only use £55 of energy in June and July and a £140 in December and January,” added Mark.
“People often wait until the New Year before thinking about their finances, but anyone who hasn’t already switched suppliers this year will be paying megabucks for their megawatts.
“Not doing anything until January means another month of overpaying, so people should look at switching to a better deal now”.
Flipper are an energy auto switching service, who find a better energy deal for those who register with them, manage the switch and keep checking for better deals all year round.
People can register for free with Flipper at www.flipper.co.uk. A small annual fee is charged when the customer is switched for the first time and starts saving. Customers are only switched if savings of £50 a year or more can be made.
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