Nearly half of UK households are rationing their energy use this winter as rising bills and wider cost-of-living pressures squeeze budgets.
New research from MoneySuperMarket Energy shows 49% of households are limiting usage as the Ofgem price cap prepares to rise to £1,758 in January.
More than half of respondents said the cost of living has worsened over the past year. Nearly a third have made cutbacks, with 45% delaying turning on their heating compared to last winter.
Energy stress is causing tension at home. One in 10 households said they have argued over heating levels, and 6% believe someone became ill because their home was too cold.
The financial strain is also dampening Christmas plans. A quarter of people said the cost of living has taken the excitement out of the season, and 10% said they are dreading Christmas due to money worries.
Among the 2,000 people surveyed, 71% are actively cutting costs this festive season. Food and drink are the biggest targets, with 29% planning to buy less. More than half have switched to cheaper brands or supermarkets.
Households are also scaling back gifts and decorations. Thirteen percent will skip presents and 12% are reducing or cancelling Christmas lights to save on energy.
Laura Hinton from MoneySuperMarket Energy said: “With energy bills and everyday costs, such as food, continuing to rise, many households are feeling the pressure this festive season.”
She said switching to a fixed tariff could help, with some customers potentially saving up to £395.
Nearly half of Brits ration energy as rising bills hit appeared first on Energy Live News.