Energy saving
Save water, save energy, save money
Water use and energy use are connected. By reducing your water use you could reduce your energy bills and carbon emissions. Our energy saving tips are supported by research from Energy Saving Trust*
Keep your shower time to just 4 minutes
By keeping showers to four minutes, a household of four could save £165 a year on their energy bills and a further £100 on their water bill if on a water meter.
Replace your old shower head with a water efficient version
With an aerated showerhead, a family of four could save £75 off their energy bills a year and a further £45 off their water bills if on a water meter.
Only run the dishwasher when it's full
The average dishwasher uses 10 litres of water each time so only run it when it's full. Reduce your dishwasher use by one run a week and save £17 a year.
Use the eco setting or lower temperature
On your washing machine or dishwasher the eco mode uses less water and saves energy with a lower temperature. Set your washing machine to 30 degrees and take out one wash a week to save £34 a year.
Wait for a full load before running your washing machine
Washing machines use on average 60 litres per cycle, so only wash clothes when you have a full load. Cutting back on washing machine use by one run a week saves £17 a year. And an extra £5 a year if you have a water meter.
Fit an aerator on to your tap
Fitting an aerator onto your existing tap will save water without lessening the flow. It could save you £30 a year on your energy bill and more if you're on a water meter.
Swap a bath for a shower
A household of four can save £35 a year on energy bills by swapping one bath each week for a four-minute shower. If on a meter, save another £18 a year on water bills.
Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth
A running tap wastes approximately six litres a minute. A four-person household on a water meter will save £40 a year if everyone turns the tap off while brushing their teeth.
Only boil what you need
Avoid overfilling the kettle and save yourself £13 a year on your electricity bill.
Use water twice in the kitchen
Try to reuse water whenever you can, for example using a bowl or jug to collect the water when rinsing vegetables.
*How savings are calculated
England, Scotland and Wales savings are for a typical four-bedroom, gas-heated home in Great Britain, using a gas price of 10.3p/kWh and electricity price of 34.0p/kWh (based on Energy Price Guarantee October 2022). Water savings are based on average occupancy. Statistics and savings are based on discounted rates to ensure customers are provided with as accurate information as possible at time of publication. Correct as of 1 October 2022. Please note, the discounts are subject to change pending timelines for implementation.
Energy Saving Trust
Energy Saving Trust is an independent organisation dedicated to promoting energy efficiency, low carbon transport and sustainable energy use. We aim to address the climate emergency and deliver the wider benefits of clean energy as we transition to net zero. We empower householders to make better choices, deliver transformative programmes for governments and support businesses with strategy, research and assurance – enabling everyone to play their part in building a sustainable future.