Latest news with #BenGallizzi
Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Brits charging their EVs at home urged to act now following major announcement
Major changes that came into effect across the nation earlier this week mean more than a million drivers in the UK might be paying significantly more than they need to — unless they take action now UK motorists with electric vehicles (EVs) have been issued a costly warning if they don't take action swiftly. The new Ofgem energy price cap has officially come into effect, which is particularly relevant for more than a million EV owners who charge their cars on their drive at home. Experts say now is the perfect time to explore potentially switching your energy tariff to save money by opting for a fixed-term deal or an EV-based tariff. David Watson, CEO of Ohme — a company that specialises in EV smart home chargers — said: "Charging at home will always be the most affordable place for EV drivers to charge their cars and this lower electricity price is great news to help them reduce their running costs. However, any EV driver charging at home should look at switching to one of the wide range of energy tariffs that drop those costs still further to help save them even more money." Switching from a standard variable tariff to a fixed-term deal could result in major savings for many households — but particularly those with home-charged EVs. Many energy firms now also have energy tariffs specifically for EV drivers, allowing them to charge their cars at night using cheaper off-peak electricity. For example, British Gas currently has an EV energy tariff that charges customers 7.9p per kWh between 12am and 5am. Similarly, Eon's Next Drive tariff charges Brits 6.7p per kWh when you plug in your car between 12am and 7am. As previously reported, UK energy industry regulator Ofgem announced that from July 1, 2025, the price cap for the average dual-fuel household paying by Direct Debit would be set at £1,720. This represents a reduction of £129, or seven per cent from the previous annual rate of £1,849. While this decrease will be welcomed by many, the new cap remains 34 per cent higher than the rates in place before the UK energy crisis began towards the autumn of 2021. The energy price cap was lowered to £1,568 in July 2024 — the lowest point since the onset of the energy crisis — before increasing to £1,717 in October 2024, then to £1,738 in January 2025, and up to the previous limit of £1,849 in April 2025. Ben Gallizzi, senior content editor at Uswitch, also said: "The price cap will drop by seven per cent in July, but customers can start saving now by fixing their deal. There are deals available to switch to that can save around £250 a year against the price cap. If you have the option of getting off a standard variable tariff and ditching the price cap, it's worth doing that now." The government intervened in October 2022, when Ofgem's price cap was projected to soar to £4,279 by January 2023. In an effort to help households manage these escalating costs, the energy price guarantee was introduced, initially setting a 'safety cap' of £2,500 a year for an average dual-fuel customer — with government subsidies covering the difference. By May 2023, this guarantee was increased to £3,000, and the measure has since been scrapped entirely.
Daily Record
02-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Should Brits start getting air conditioners as temperatures skyrocket in the UK?
Air conditioning could either be considered a waste of money or a wise investment as the mercury rises in the UK The first half of the year has seen pretty up-and-down, tempestuous weather to say the least. From record-breaking storms to record-breaking heat, the UK, from Shetland to St Ives, has experienced it all. And it is not over yet. Scotland had its hottest day of the year so far on June 20, when a peak of 28.9C was recorded at Drumnadrochit on the shore of Loch Ness, while Charterhall in the Scottish Borders and Aboyne in Aberdeenshire hit 28.7C. Edinburgh reached 28.4C, ahead of Glasgow on 27.3C. Meanwhile, south of the border is currently entering the sixth day of a heatwave, with highs of a whopping 35C expected in some areas. But while we might be flinging the windows open, reaching for the portable fans, or sleeping without the covers, people in other parts of the world are opting for what is probably a very logical solution - air conditioning. Air conditioning is a foreign concept to many Brits, and it is not often we see it installed in UK homes - but it is on the up. This is due to skyrocketing temperatures in the UK. Just this week, the Met Office warned that hitting levels of heat close to 40C is now 20 times more likely than it was in the 1960s. And as the climate crisis ramps, so will the heat. The use of AC has seen a huge spike over the past decade, rising sevenfold, according to a paper published in Energy Research & Social Science earlier this month. In fact, aircon use has rocketed by 90 per cent in the last two years alone, energy expert Ben Gallizzi told The Telegraph. But before you rush to get your own unit fitted, you might need reminded of the pros and cons. Firstly, if Brits rush to get AC, we're just contributing to the climate crisis. "By using air conditioning, we're still burning fossil fuels and adding to that problem of climate change," Alexander Buck, a sustainability specialist at the architecture firm Buckley Gray Yeoman (BGY), told the Independent. "It's a self-perpetuating circle - we use more air conditioning, then we make the climate warmer, and then we're going to need more air conditioning." There's also an energy crisis around the corner. Households were urged to send in meter readings ahead of the energy price cap falling by 7 per cent on July 1 - £660 lower than at the height of the energy crisis in 2023. However, prices remain elevated, and Buck says we must do "everything we can" to reduce demand being placed on buildings and the national grid by "reducing the amount of air conditioning and heating we put into buildings". There's also the cost of AC to think about - the price of the unit and installation itself, and then the energy cost, which is no small feat considering the cost of living crisis which is pushing people into desperate financial times. If you are feeling a bit more flush and fancy investing in a unit, though, Amazon is selling this Dreo Smart 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner, essentially a silent mobile air conditioner for your bedroom, for £599.99. Alternatively, save 20 per cent with Argos' Bush 7K Air Conditioner at £320, down from £400. And if you are still not convinced, maybe the GoodHome Mobile 3 in 1 Local air conditioner from B&Q at £190 is more up your street. In short, there are cases in which getting aircon in your home might make sense. Hospitals and care homes, as well as buildings catering for vulnerable people, could really benefit. But it shouldn't be the norm for most of us. "Our advice would be to absolutely avoid it as far as possible, because that would be a negative outcome if everyone started getting it," Antonietta Canta, urbanisation and resilience associate at Arup, the global consultancy firm, told the Independent. "For the country, for the planet - it would be a very dangerous thing to do." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Mirror
01-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
People urged to still send in energy meter readings as new price cap kicks in
The typical household bill for those who have not signed up to a fixed tariff has dropped by £129 to £1,720 per year when the regulator's new price cap came into force today (July 1) Households have been encouraged to submit their meter readings as the energy price cap decreases by seven per cent today. The average household bill for those who haven't yet committed to a fixed tariff has reduced by £129 to £1,720 annually when the regulator's new price cap - which determines the maximum amount companies can charge customers per unit of energy - took effect on July 1. This is £660 (28%) less than during the peak of the energy crisis at the beginning of 2023 when the UK Government introduced the energy price guarantee. However, prices are still high with the forthcoming level being £152 (10%) more than the same period last year. The price cap doesn't restrict the total amount people pay for their energy bills - the more energy consumed, the higher the cost and vice versa. Providing a meter reading ensures that those who pay via Direct Debit receive an accurate bill next month, rather than an estimate based on usage at the previous rate. While approximately 35 per cent of domestic customers have actively chosen a fixed deal not subject to the price cap, around 22 million households in Scotland, England, and Wales remain under the energy price cap. These households should take their meter readings this week to ensure they benefit from the reduced energy prices from 1st July, reports the Daily Record. Research conducted for comparison website Uswitch indicates that 20% of households without smart meters have not submitted their meter readings in the past three months, with 6% failing to do so for an entire year. Uswitch estimates that homes on a standard price cap tariff with average usage are projected to spend £63 on energy in July, compared to £113 in June. This decrease is attributed to a combination of lower unit rates and reduced usage during the summer months. The company encourages households to take advantage of competitive prices by signing up for a fixed deal. It highlighted that there are currently 10 fixed deals on offer that are cheaper than the July price cap, with the most affordable option saving the average household approximately £145. Uswitch's energy spokesperson, Ben Gallizzi, advised: "Customers who don't have a smart meter should submit their readings before or on Tuesday 1 July, so their supplier has an updated – and accurate – view of their account." He added: "There's a lot of uncertainty about global energy costs at the moment, which has led industry experts to predict a rise in energy bills and in the price cap this autumn." Gallizzi further suggested: "But households can get ahead of this possible price hike by fixing at cheaper rates now. Currently, there are a range of fixed deals currently available that are around £145 cheaper than the July price cap for the average household." He concluded: "If you can switch to a deal cheaper than the July price cap, now is a good time to make the change. We urge customers to run an energy comparison as soon as possible." Ofgem has issued a reminder to households that they needn't stick with the price cap, asserting "there are better deals out there". Emily Seymour, energy expert at Which?, commented on the changes, saying: "Consumers will be relieved that the energy price cap will fall by 7 per cent from 1st July. "The change to energy prices means that the summer could be a good time to shop around for fixed deals. As a rule of thumb, we'd recommend looking for deals cheaper than the price cap, not longer than 12 months and without significant exit fees. "If you are on a fixed deal from earlier in the year which leaves you paying more than the July price cap then you might be considering switching early. "Check whether your contract has exit fees - if yours has no or low fees it could be worth changing to a new tariff. Some contracts charge large fees to leave early, which would cancel out any savings. "If you've not yet fixed a deal and your variable rates are changing from 1 July, submit a meter reading to ensure you pay the cheaper rates for any energy used after the new price cap takes effect."
Daily Mirror
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
New driveway rule in force from today as motorists are warned
The new price cap comes into effect from tomorrow morning, so if you haven't already, it might be worth checking to see if you could save money by switching to a fixed-term deal now Major changes to UK driveways are set to kick off from today, with a stark warning for over a million electric vehicle (EV) owners. Those who charge their EVs at home need to be aware of the new Ofgem price cap that are now in effect. David Watson, CEO of Ohme, a company specialising in smart home chargers for EVs, said: "Charging at home will always be the most affordable place for EV drivers to charge their cars and this lower electricity price is great news to help them reduce their running costs. READ MORE: Pet owners rush to claim free flea treatment as UK heatwave sees pests rise "However, any EV driver charging at home should look at switching to one of the wide range of energy tariffs that drop those costs still further to help save them even more money." Ofgem, the industry regulator, has announced that starting from 1 July 2025, the price cap for the average dual-fuel household paying bills by Direct Debit will be £1,720. This rate represents a £129 (or 7%) reduction from the current annual rate of £1,849. Yet, it's important to note that this new cap is still 34% above the rates before the energy crisis. Therefore, while the reduction is welcome, it must be viewed within the broader context, reports Yorkshire Live. Additionally, since July 2024, when the cap was lowered to £1,568 – the lowest point since the onset of the crisis – there hasn't been a further decrease. Ben Gallizzi, senior content editor at Uswitch, said: "The price cap will drop by 7% in July, but customers can start saving now by fixing their deal. "There are deals available to switch to that can save around £250 a year against the price cap. If you have the option of getting off a standard variable tariff and ditching the price cap, it's worth doing that now." In October 2022, when Ofgem's price cap level was expected to rocket to £4,279 by January 2023, the government intervened with the Energy Price Guarantee as a buffer for households grappling with escalating energy costs. Designed as a "safety" price cap, it was initially pegged at £2,500 annually (subsidised by the government) for an average use dual fuel customer. Come May 2023, Ofgem and government officials announced that the Energy Price Guarantee would be hiked to £3,000. This measure has since been scrapped entirely.
Daily Mirror
25-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Millions told act 'in next 5 days' or face energy bills overcharge
Experts say households on standard variable tariffs could save £50 next month alone, with the average energy bill expected to fall from £113 in June to £63 in July Households across the UK are being urged to take a meter reading before the month's end or risk missing out on cheaper energy bills. Over seven million properties could be overcharged from 1 July if they don't provide their latest gas and electricity readings, has warned. Energy specialists have calculated that those on standard variable tariffs could pocket an extra £50 in July due to reduced summer consumption and a decrease in the energy price cap, with average bills expected to drop from £113 in June to £63 in July. However, customers without smart meters who fail to submit a reading may be charged at the higher June rates, potentially costing up to £1.93 more per week. The collective cost for all homes missing the cut-off could exceed £14 million in a single week, reports the Express. Ben Gallizzi, Uswitch energy guru, advised: "If you want to make the most of lower prices this summer, read your meter before July 1. It only takes a minute, and it could save you money. Without an accurate reading, suppliers may assume your usage falls into the old June pricing - meaning you pay more than you should." This advice comes as experts warn of potential energy price hikes this autumn, with Middle Eastern turmoil pushing wholesale costs up. The energy price cap is anticipated to increase in October, coinciding with a surge in demand due to cooler temperatures. In light of looming autumn price surges, customers are urged to contemplate switching sooner rather than later. Uswitch has revealed that there are 10 fixed tariffs cheaper than the expected July price cap, with potential yearly savings averaging about £145. Gallizzi said: "There's a lot of global uncertainty at the moment. Fixing your energy deal now could help you stay ahead of any future hikes. If you can switch to a tariff cheaper than the July price cap, now is a good time to do it." This imperative suggestion arrives as numerous families confess to falling out of the practice of submitting meter readings regularly. A fifth of Brits lacking a smart meter have failed to communicate a reading to their provider in the past three months, while 6% have neglected this for over a year. Absent-mindedness and perplexity are to blame. One third believed it unnecessary to send readings often, whilst 16% simply forgot. Uswitch is offering a straightforward three-step checklist to aid consumers in keeping their bills in check: CHECK: If you don't possess a smart meter, put in a meter reading prior to July 1 to guarantee you're paying correctly for the actual energy consumed. TRACK: Use a smart meter or an energy tracking app to watch over your consumption; it's a beneficial way to identify patterns and reduce waste. CHANGE: Think about changing to a fixed-rate arrangement now, before the prices escalate yet again in October. For further support and guidance, including details on how to read your meter, head to
