The chilliest spring for a decade will see UK households spend an extra £93 per household on their energy bills, experts warned today.

Many families are being forced to keep using their heating for up to six weeks longer than in previous years because of unexpectedly cold conditions, according to new analysis.

The result could lead to an extra £2.3 billion on energy bills this year, according to research by the energy campaign, How To Save It.

Average UK temperatures for the past two months are currently tracking 1.5°C lower than normal for the season, according to Met Office figures.

“While southern Europe is wilting in 40°C degree heat, an unseasonal chill means most British homes are still relying on their radiators to heat their homes in late April,” energy efficiency expert and director Will Hodson said.

“These will be unexpected costs for hard-pressed homes.”

The significantly lower spring temperatures mean the average household will have used an estimated 30 hours of heating - adding an extra £93 to bills per household this spring, Mr Hodson said.

UK homes commonly turn on their heating when outdoor temperatures reach 12.5°C, according to Utilita Energy.

“Britain is currently experiencing its second coldest spring for 23 years,” Met Office senior spokesperson, Grahame Madge said yesterday.

The average UK temperature so far this spring is 6.59°C meaning this season is on track to be the second coldest in 20 years.

How To Save It is calling on the government to move quickly to bring in a national insulation scheme and help UK households save money on bills.

ENDS

Calculations are based on 25m households in the UK. To date there have been 30 days where minimum evening temperatures fell below 10C in central London. HTSI estimates this requires one hour of extra heating per evening.

How To Save It: https://www.howtosaveit.org

Contact details: Blaise Baquiche, Blaise@ClimateCentre.org.uk

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