Four in 10 (43%) unpaid carers are helping someone they care for to prepare for energy price rises later in the year, according to a recent survey.
With more than half saying the costs of looking after someone have risen in the last six months and 85% saying they are now spending more on energy as part of their caregiving, Smart Energy GB is offering advice to the 13 million unpaid carers who may be concerned about the looming price increases.
This advice includes financially preparing now for the future rise, using a smart metre to gauge which appliances use the most energy and insulating around doors and windows to ensure that as little heat escapes as possible.
The organisation hopes the advice will help the 52% of carers who say they would like to help someone prepare for the increase but don’t know how.
Phillippa Brown from Smart Energy GB, said: “Doing small things now to help prepare for the future is vital, especially if you’re an unpaid carer. Arranging for someone you look after to have a smart meter installed by their energy supplier will help them and you prepare for future increases in energy prices, as you’ll both be able to keep track of what they’re spending.
“Simple draught-proofing around windows and doors will also increase the efficiency of a home’s heating system and could help your money go further when things get colder. A smart meter’s in-home display will show you in pounds and pence and in near-real time how much energy is being used so you can make small changes like this for those you look after to help better manage their household finances.”
Ms Brown also advises carers ensure that larger appliances and equipment are serviced and functioning well now, so they don’t let you down later and result in an unexpected spend for you or the person you look after.
These might be stairlifts and other mobility equipment, powered medical devices and essential appliances such as ovens or washing machines.
If the person you care for is blind, partially sighted, or has difficulties with dexterity or memory, an accessible in-home display has been developed with help from the Royal National Institute of Blind People.
This device audibly tells you how much energy you’re using in near-real time and can help more people fully access their energy information.
To find out more, please visit smartenergygb.org.
