Bright Lights, Higher Bills: The 60% Price Surge Over the Next 10 Years

Selling Santa’s Light Parade a Coin Less: How Much Your Holiday Lights Cost

What’s the Deal With the New Energy Cap?

In October 2024 the UK government capped household energy at £1,717 per kWh, holding that price until the end of December. Curious about how this shakes out when you crank up the Christmas lights?

Timing the Fete

Tradition says the festive glow starts on Advent – the fourth Sunday before Christmas (so 3rd December this year – the very same Sunday as the 2024 Rugby World Cup, just kidding!) and stays on until Twelfth Night (Jan 5). In all, your lights get to shine for 33 days.

How Long Do We Keep the Lights ON?

Average household lights up around 6 hours per day.
Most houses dazzle with twin strings of fairy lights: 100 bulbs each, 40 W per string. Two strings = 80 W or 0.08 kW total.
With the new price cap (24.50 p/kWh), those lights cost 12 p a day (£3.58 a month).

What About Ten Years Ago?

Back in 2014 the cap was £1,450 per kWh.
Running lights for 6 h a day then cost only £0.07 a day – £2.12 a month.
So, with prices up, you’re paying almost 60 % more just to keep the lights glowing.

Seven-Hours or Nine-Hours? The Straight Facts

Shifting from six to nine hours a day can almost triple your light bill – a wall‑flower that evening. Tip: Switch lights off when you leave or before bedtime. Your wallet will thank you.

Beyond the Lights

Lighting isn’t the biggest energy hog. Unique decorations like inflatable Santas or giant ornaments can drain around 140 W.
Those little giants can trip up your bill faster than your string lights.

What Saxo’s Spokesperson Says

“The energy cap falling to £1,717 in October was good news for consumers after prices surged,”
“While running lights up to six hours a day remains cheap, electricity’s steady climb means customers are paying almost 60 % more than a decade ago.”
“Inflation keeps pushing everyday costs upward.”