Millions turn down heating despite health risks

Millions of Britons are planning on either reducing or turning off entirely their heating this winter due to soaring energy costs, despite acknowledging the associated health risks.

Swedish clean-energy company Aira published data from a survey of 8,000 consumers in the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy and France into how they have adapted their behaviour in response to the cost-of-living-crisis, driven by rising energy costs.

Of the c.2,000 UK consumers surveyed, 65% said they will lower or completely shut off their heating during January, with 7% deciding to turn their heating off completely.

More than one-third (36%) said they will keep their home below normal temperatures into February, despite 64% expecting to get a cold and 52% anticipating flu-like symptoms to take hold.

The majority (76%) cited high energy prices as the main reason for turning their heating down, and just under half (47%) said general personal finance concerns were an issue.

Climate concerns were cited as a contributing factor, with 24% of respondents saying they are driven by environmental concerns.

The research explored other coping mechanisms of those surveyed in response to soaring bills.

A quarter (25%) pledged to spend less on food this year to help pay for heating costs, while 22% will spend less on clothes and 24% are cutting down on leisure activities.

A further 9% are spending more time in heated public spaces like libraries, cafes, and community centres; 3% are moving in with family to save on costs.

Aira said the “case for alternative home energy heating solutions is rapidly growing”, and cited 11% – more than 5.8 million Britons – considering the installation of a heat pump this year.

Commenting on the findings, Martin Lewerth, Aira group chief executive, said: “This research is a stark reminder that households continue to struggle with the demands of soaring energy prices and an over-reliance on imported fossil fuels.”

Also commenting on the research was David Cheadle, acting chief executive at National Debtline, the charity run by the Money Advice Trust. Cheadle highlighted his organisation’s own research carried out at the end of last year.

He said: “Soaring energy prices have left many households facing incredibly difficult choices. 6.5 million people said they would struggle to heat their homes as much as they needed at Christmas, and at National Debtline we continue to hear the impact that sustained high energy costs are having.

“People on the lowest incomes are being hit the hardest, and many will struggle to find a way out of the energy debts that have built up during this time.

“With energy arrears at record levels, urgent action is needed to tackle the issue and provide safe routes out for people trapped in unaffordable energy debt.

“We’re urging the government to bring in a Help to Repay Scheme to support those most severely affected. This should include payment matching and write off options – vital now with millions of people facing impossible choices in these cold months.”