The campaign debuts new energy-saving ideas for families and £150 in warm home discount assistance for the most disadvantaged.

Families can now obtain simple energy-saving recommendations as the government partners with Amazon Alexa to relaunch a public information campaign that saved British families an estimated £120 million last winter.

Anyone asking Alexa how to cut their energy bill will receive the most recent government advice on preparing their home for winter and consuming less energy in the long run, potentially saving at least £100 per year, thanks to a free partnership between the government and Amazon.

This experience will be available through the Alexa app on Amazon Echo & mobile devices.

“Alexa, give me some energy-saving tips,” “Alexa, give me tips to conserve energy,” and “Alexa, give me tips to get ready for winter” are all phrases that will prompt Alexa.

The partnership is part of the relaunch of the government’s it all adds up campaign, which saw 80% of people in the UK perform at least one of the money-saving steps last year. 

Advice is available online through the help for households website

It comes as more than three million households are advised they are eligible for the warm home discount beginning today. The automated one-time £150 payment will assist qualified low-income clients in England, Scotland, and Wales in paying their winter energy bills.

Claire Coutinho, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, stated: “Energy prices have fallen by 55% from their high, yet we know that many families are still struggling. That is why we will continue to provide financial assistance, including targeted assistance such as the £150 warm home discount, to those in most need.”

“There are also some basic things that families can do to reduce their expenditures, such as lowering the boiler flow temperature and shutting off radiators in rooms that are not being used. As we relaunch our energy-saving advice campaign, which helped households across the UK save nearly £120 million last winter, our relationship with Amazon’s Alexa will help to make these tips more accessible.”

Amanda Solloway, Minister for Energy Consumers and Affordability, stated: “This winter, we want everyone to be able to take simple steps to save money on their energy costs. Families might save at least £100 per year by adopting advice such as lowering boiler flow temperature or washing clothing at a lower temperature.”

“And, thanks to our warm home discount, almost three million people will receive more targeted assistance with energy costs.”

Six activities may save a household up to £100 on their energy bill

The six measures are as follows: 

  • By lowering the boiler flow temperature to 60 degrees, you can save up to £60 annually. 
  • Having your boiler serviced to avoid expensive and unexpected problems 
  • Radiators should be bled to remove air pockets and increase efficiency. 
  • Turning down radiators in unoccupied rooms might save up to £50 per year. 
  • Saving up to £20 per year by washing clothes at 30 degrees. 
  • Installing an energy-efficient showerhead can result in annual savings of up to £40. 

The warm home discount is applied to bills automatically between October 2023 and March 2024 or as a top-up voucher for individuals with a pre-payment meter. 

This comes as the Department for Work and Pensions starts household support fund awareness week, encouraging vulnerable individuals across England to contact their local councils to find out what help is available. 

Since its inception in October 2021, the Household Support Fund has made 26 million awards.

This year, the government has also made additional financial assistance available to families, including a £900 payment for those who receive means-tested benefits, a £300 payment for retirees, and an additional £150 payment for disabled individuals. 

Consumers in England and Wales who qualify for the warm home discount will receive a letter detailing the discount and information on what to do next beginning in October, while consumers in Scotland must apply directly with their energy supplier as soon as possible. 

Mike Thornton, CEO of energy saving trust, stated: “As we enter the colder winter months and energy prices stay high, people must understand how to use less energy around the house to keep bills as low as possible.”

“Because public information, involvement, and advice are critical, we applaud the reintroduction of this UK government initiative. Its sustained success paves the path for future programmes encouraging good behaviour change about energy use.”

Final Thoughts

Implementing energy-efficient practices boils down to making wise decisions that benefit our wallets and the environment. Small changes such as turning off lights, utilising energy-efficient appliances, and lowering the thermostat can add significant savings for hardworking families.

We may also create a more equal neighbourhood by supporting programmes that assist our most needy neighbours with their energy costs. We can positively change our homes and neighbourhoods when we work together.