Energy Inflation Drains 11% of Your Paycheck

RIFT Tax Refunds Finds Energy Bills Aiming for 11% of Your Paycheck

By March 2023, rising gas prices and flat wages mean the average household’s energy bill is biting hard at about 11 % of the wallet. It’s a crack‑in‑the‑budget situation that’s getting uglier as autumn and winter roll in.

Energy Costs: The New Prankster of the Household Ledger

August 2020: £1,042 for the yearly energy bill.
Fast‑forward to today: that’s up by £929, totalling £1,971.
October: Expected to jump to a whopping £3,359.
March 2023: Forecasts project £3,616.

These numbers aren’t just scary—they’re a stark reminder that each decade‑long burst of heating is stealing more seat‑of‑the‑pocket time.

Salary Stagnation vs. Inflation – A Tiny Town That Can’t Keep Up

August 2020 salary average: £31,646. Energy bills cost 3.3% of this.
Today: salary average climbs to £32,390, but energy’s share jumps to 6.1%.
October: with no salary bump until late 2022, bills will chew up 10.4% of earnings.
March 2023: anticipated salary of £33,362 – now 10.8% of wages goes to the energy provider.

In a world where apps say “Inflation > 10%” while paychecks stay 3% shy of that, the average person is facing a budget that’s more of a jigsaw than a puzzle.

On the Ground Talks: “We’re Living on the Edge” — CEO Bradley Post’s Take

Bradley Post of RIFT Tax Refunds explains:

“We’re all feeling the heat—literally and figuratively. Energy prices are spiking while salaries are held hostage. That means families are scrubbing budgets, making down‑payments on Sainsbury, and even cutting down on those extra cuppas. Moving from 3 % to 11 % in just three years is not just a statistic; it’s a reality shock.”

“The government’s support promises feel like a drop in the ocean for most households. And that’s before we even factor in rising food and fuel costs.”

“Every penny counts. We strongly recommend you check if you qualify for a tax refund. Even a modest £1,500 won’t erase the falls, but it does help lift spirits in a world that feels unusually bleak.”

Six Practical Tips to Keep Your Gas and Electricity in Check

Switch to variable‑rate tariffs that save you during off‑peak hours.
Buy energy‑efficient appliances—they’re upfront costs that chase decades of savings.
Install smart thermostats to keep unwanted heating at bay.
Seal drafts—post‑hoc insulation fixes all those “extra” heat losses.
Schedule home energy audits to spot hidden leaks.
Bundle multiple services—packaging can shave off hidden fees.

Seven Clever Hacks for Heating Efficiencies

Use warm blankets and point heaters away from sleeping areas.
Lay thermal curtains by windows and close them at night.
Layer clothing, not blankets—extra sweaters for that extra drop.
Take shorter showers and reduce hot‑water usage.
Turn down the thermostat by 0.5 °C and watch the meter smile.
Use the heat recovery ventilator (HRV) to rummage fresh air efficiently.
Track your energy consumption via smart meters—determine where you overpay.

Having a few snappy tricks at your disposal means that you can stay warm without breaking the bank. RIFT’s fine print? It’s all on full transparency, not dime‑smack gimmicks.