Money advice
With the nights drawing in, the temperature dropping and Christmas around the corner, lots of us are thinking a bit more about our money.
Here’s some advice on watching the pennies:
Save water; save money
It’s the time of year when we all start to think about the cost of gas and electricity, but watching how much water you’re using can also help you to reduce your bills.
Around 18% of energy costs are related to heating water, so thinking about your usage can really help save money.
Here's some practical steps you can take to save water:
- Fill up your washing machine before you switch it on. If you get a new washing machine, read up on its water and energy efficiency so it doesn’t cost you more money in the long run
- Recycle any leftover water from your kettle or from cooking to water your plants
- Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving – a running tap wastes around six litres of water per minute
- Make sure your dishwasher is full before you switch it on and avoid pre-rinsing dishes
- Have a shower instead of a bath and turn the water off between washing your body and hair
- Get any leaky taps, valves or toilets fixed – repairing leaky taps and valves can stop frost from getting in and will save water
- Scrape your plates after your meals rather than rinse them
- If your toilet cistern is leaking into the bowl, tell us about it so we can fix it and stop any wasted water
As well as reducing costs, using less water is great for the environment and we can help to keep wetland habitats topped up for animals like otters, water voles, kingfishers and fish. For more advice on saving water, take a look at Water UK.
Getting winter ready
Stay ahead of the weather with our top tips on preparing for winter.
Energy Hub
Our customer Energy Hub is regularly updated with news and information for customers to help you understand more about gas and electricity, including some advice on what you can do to save money and advice on any additional support you may be eligible for.
Energy Saving Trust
The Energy Saving Trust website has really useful and practical ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home, and devices that you can use to save water in the kitchen, bathroom and garden.
Take a look at this page on the quickest ways to save money this winter.
Help for Households
The Government’s Help for Households website is full of advice and resources to help you with the cost-of-living crisis.
As well as help with energy costs, there’s tips on things like grants, benefits, childcare, travel and more.
Entitled To lets you check what support you're eligible for and how to claim it.
Pre-loved clothes
The second-hand clothes market has seen a boom over the last couple of years, with sites like Vinted and Ebay offering loads of bargains on pre-loved gear.
With the kids back at school and clubs, these can be great places to get hold of uniforms for less.
If you have clothes you no longer want taking up space in your wardrobes, you can even try selling them for a bit of extra cash through these sites or Facebook Marketplace.
Other second-hand clothes websites are available.
Be scam-aware
Sadly, there are lots more scammers around, especially online but also on our phones and our doorsteps.
If you are buying or selling anything online, then make sure you’re being safe.