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Consumers in the North West turn to
jumpers and hot water bottles as they worry about high energy bills
CONSUMERS in the North West are worried
their energy bills will go up this year and as a result are reaching for extra
layers, blankets and hot water bottles instead of turning on their central
heating.
The Winter Warming Report from TopCashback.co.uk, the UK's most generous cashback and comparison website, finds 67% of consumers in the
North West are
anxious about increases to energy prices effecting their heating bills and fear
they will be paying more in 2017.
49% of people in the North West are planning to switch energy suppliers in the
hope to bring down costs yet 71% of people are considering not turning their
heating on all together, instead looking to cheaper alternatives to avoid high
heating bills.
Over the course of winter, consumers in the North West spend ₤70 stocking up on
alternative warmers including jumpers (82%), blankets (63%), hot water bottles
(29%) and draft excluders (15%). The majority (85%) of people also switch to
hotter and more comforting foods in the evenings, increasing their grocery bills
by ₤22 a month.
The report also finds consumers are finding it harder to fight the cold weather
with the number of people claiming to turn their heating on between September
and the end of November increasing from 88% in previous years to 90%. However,
instead of having the heating on throughout the colder months or using a daily
timer, 42% are turning their heating on only when it is needed to take the bite
out of the air.
Natasha Rachel Smith, Consumer Affairs Editor for TopCashback.co.uk, said:-
"With energy prices rising at the fastest rate since 2014, it is having a
real effect on consumers in the North West who are worrying about their heating
bills going up. Our report shows people are concerned as to whether they can
afford to heat their homes this winter and are desperate to find ways to avoid
turning on their heating at all.
Switching energy providers can make a big difference, yet only half of consumers
are planning to switch this year. It's inevitable heating will be needed meaning
everyone should be looking for the best deals. TopCashback provides a comparison
services that lets consumers work out the best deal for them while earning
cashback on top. Members can currently get ₤140 cashback when switching to
npower."
► Family disagreements...
Discussions about whether to turn the heating on or not are also causing
arguments across households in the North West with 51% quarrelling with their
loved ones. People in the North West are the most likely to argue about the
heating.
People in the North West most commonly argue with their partners (74%), parents
(19%) and children (16%). Those who disagree with turning on the heating suggest
putting on extra layers (94%), having a hot drink (34%) and even going for a jog
around the house (6%) as alternative ways to warm up.
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Regional heat mapping...
The report finds consumers in Wales are the most concerned about their energy
bills going up while people in the North West switch their energy providers the
most.
People living in Yorkshire and the Humber also reach for winter warmers instead
of central heating more than any other region. However, those living in the
south-west spend ₤141 on items to warm them up in winter, which is the most in
the UK compared to people in the east who spend just ₤65.
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