Comparison site Uswitch.com has launched a free app called Utrack that connects to a home’s smart meter to help homeowners and tenants track and reduce their energy use, to save money on their bills. Utrack enables users to track their energy usage across the day and monitor changes in their energy spend. Users can also get energy insights, such as peak usage times; access tips to reduce energy usage; and calculate potential savings.

Alongside the development of the app, Uswitch.com also carried out a study mong 2,000 UK consumers to see how British households are preparing to save on their winter energy bills.

Turning appliances off at the wall is the most common way people will reduce their energy consumption this winter, favoured by 53 per cent of households, followed by running their washing machine at a lower temperature, which 47 per cent of homes are doing. 

Nearly half (46 per cent) of bill-payers plan to turn the thermostat down, with a similar proportion using their washing machine less (44 per cent). A third (35 per cent) say they will reduce the number of times they use their oven to cut their energy use this winter. 28 per cent said they will use a more efficient slow cooker, with 28 per cent saying they would invest in an air fryer.

“With the days becoming colder and darker, Brits are already feeling the pressures of rising energy bills, combined with the cost of living,” said Uswitch.com Energy Expert, Ben Gallizzi. “Making small changes can have a significant impact. Turning off electrical items at the plug sockets, making sure lights are turned off when rooms aren’t being used and using more energy efficient appliances can all help to shave pounds off your bills. Using an app like Utrack, alongside simple, cost-saving practices can help provide consumers a better understanding of their energy usage and learn how to reduce bills in a safe, sensible way.”