Heat‑Up Work‑From‑Home, Sol‑Down Energy Bills
Even though the clock will tick earlier and the commute may seem longer, almost five million UK workers are looking to kiss their home‑office sofas goodbye this winter—all because electricity’s price tag is blowing up.
Half the Nation’s Feeling the Burn
- 49 % of remote‑worked Brits say the rise in energy costs is “highly” tipping their decision‑making.
- Since the October 2021 cap creep, a typical WFH week now costs roughly £90.64 a month, or about £1,088 a year, for heating, lighting and gadgets.
- By comparison, the average commute takes in £64 a month – so staying home can add nearly £30 extra to your wallet each month.
Tax Relief Doesn’t Cool the Core
The government nudges people with £6 per week in tax relief for home‑office expenses, but that’s not enough to stop many swapping the kettle for a commuter train.
Will They Bite the Dust?
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<li22 % say they’ll go off‑gas by not turning the heating bulb on during WFH hours.
<li48 % pledge a closer look at “overall energy consumption.”
<li19 % plan to buy smart heating gadgets to keep tabs on those sneaky watts.
Regional Warming Points
In the South East, 51 % of respondents will tighten control on their energy use; the South West follows closely at 50 %, and Scotland at 49 %.
Industries on the Front Line
Those in the Environmental, Business and Events Management sectors are the most pushed by the price hike: 89 %, 78 % and 78 %, respectively.
Voice from the Hotspot
Stephen Hankinson, Managing Director of Electric Radiators Direct, says:
“With winter in the window and heaters on the home front, our research shows that fuel price fears are nudging folks back into office desks. While Covid risk still looms, the choice between a home hearth and a public office isn’t easy. Yet, the data suggests most will become more energy‑savvy—some will even trade in the flip‑flop for a cool smart heating system.”
He adds, “Smart electric boards let you dial down temps, skip rooms you’re not using and see zinging real‑time stats on an app—like a wallet‑watch. With gas, it’s tricky because the whole house is a punch‑punch thermostat, but setting a lower baseline that still feels cozy is a simple move.”
Energy can play down costs, and the planet stands to benefit too. Join the squad on Get real‑time updates about this post category and keep your wallet chill.
