How to save money on your energy bills

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Analysis: Reducing energy consumption is the most immediate measure we can take to reduce our exposure to high energy bills

Energy prices are at an all-time high as international oil and gas prices surge in response to the invasion in Ukraine and other broader global issues. Ireland is one of the most fossil-dependent countries in Europe, spending an average of €20 million a day importing fossil fuels from abroad. The consequence of this high dependency is reflected in our high transport, heating and electricity bills.

International prices, events and conditions determine what we pay for energy in Ireland and the Irish government has little power when it comes to influencing these prices. But as individuals, we do have some choices about how much energy we use and when we use it.

While Ireland is not physically connected to Russia through a pipeline, we are connected through market prices. We must prepare for sustained high electricity and energy prices throughout the year and beyond, as the world figures out how to live without large volumes of energy from Russia.

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From RTÉ One’s Claire Byrne Live, How to save money on your energy bills with Paul Deane, mechanic Aoife Murray and scientist Phil Smyth

Saving energy and reducing our energy use is the most immediate measure we can take to reduce our exposure to high energy bills. Locally, a typical family of four will spend between €6,000 and €7,000 a year on energy. Half of this will go to gasoline or diesel for the car, and the rest will be divided between home heating and electricity.

But it must be remembered that many people, especially the sick, elderly and vulnerable, have much higher exposure and less ability to change their energy use and these people need specific financial protection from the government. However, a large part of the population can benefit financially from saving energy and the following tips are for families and individuals in good health.

Can you save money on your car?

Around a third of the petrol and diesel we put into our cars during the year in Ireland is used for short journeys of less than 8km. If we could avoid one in five of these trips, we would save between €300 and €500 per year. Trips can be avoided by biking, walking, carpooling, and sharing the elevator with neighbors (ie, at the school stop), and trying to duplicate trips. The pandemic has also allowed many employers and workers to try remote work, and maintaining this practice will significantly reduce the amount we spend on fuel for our cars.

From RTÉ Radio 1’s Drivetime, Sunday Independent’s mortifying columnist Geraldine Herbert on rising petrol prices

If you have to travel a long distance on a highway, driving a little slower will save you money. Driving 100 km/h instead of 120 km/h on a round trip from Cork to Dublin will save you €10 on fuel costs, while the journey will take you 50 minutes longer.

Heat

Unfortunately, Ireland has a low housing stock, and most houses waste more heat than their useful use. A house built in the 1990s with oil central heating costs a family around five times more annually to heat than a house of the same size built in recent times using a modern electric heat pump. The government offers generous grants for better insulation and new heating systems, but these are still out of financial reach for many families.

From Today With Claire Byrne of RTÉ Radio 1, discussion on the ins and outs of modernization

However, controlling the heat required by adjusting the thermostat can result in big savings for families who are able to do this. Reducing the internal thermostat from 21 degrees to 18 degrees will save between €400 and €500 per year

Families using diesel for central heating should regularly check with local suppliers and try to take advantage of any discounts or lower prices that may occur during the summer months when demand for diesel is low.

The history with household appliances

Just five appliances are responsible for about half of our electricity use, so using them less will have a positive impact on lowering your electricity bill. If you use an electric shower, this is likely to cost you the most, so taking a shorter shower will save you money.

While a lot of attention is sometimes paid to unplugging TVs, phones, and tablets, etc., the overall financial impact of these actions is relatively small. Modern appliances must use very little power in standby mode, so focusing on appliances that use the most electricity will offer the greatest savings.

The government released a strategy last week with more information on how to reduce energy use. An important social element in all communities is checking in on elderly and vulnerable neighbors to see if they are prepared for the coming months. The strategy must be clear from a national perspective: protect those who cannot afford to cut back and encourage those who can.

The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ