How five real energy experts cut bills ahead of £200 hike as one says 'pay more'

How five real energy experts cut bills ahead of £200 hike as one says 'pay more'Academics, professors and experts in economics, the environment, sustainability and engineering explain what really makes a differenceCommentsNewsNeil Shaw Assistant Editor (Money and Lifestyle)07:49, 19 Apr 2026Updated 07:50, 19 Apr 2026View 6 ImagesEvery billpayer coukld see an increase this summerThe household energy price cap is expected to rise by £196 a year from July amid volatile prices in wholesale markets caused by the Iran war, according to the latest forecasts. That will mean gas and electricity bills going up, again, for millions of households across the country.‌Cornwall Insight said its prediction for Ofgem’s cap from July to September now stands at £1,837 for a typical dual fuel household, an increase of 12% on April’s cap. Cornwall Insight recently cautioned a rise in the cap in July is “effectively unavoidable” with rocketing wholesale prices already locked into the calculation and little chance that they will fall below pre-war levels in the coming weeks.‌Ofgem will announce the next price cap level by May 27.‌The energy price cap, set by Ofgem, is the maximum amount suppliers can charge for each unit of gas and electricity (plus a daily standing charge) on default tariffs, not a total bill limit. So if you use more energy, you can still pay more than the cap.Five experts told The Conversation what steps they are taking themselves to cut the cost of energy.View 6 ImagesInsulation will slash your bills‌1. Insulate your homeUpgrading loft insulation to current standards, typically 27–30cm thick for mineral wool, improves energy efficiency, comfort and long-term cost savings. It acts as a thermal barrier, as up to 25% of a home’s heat can escape through an uninsulated roof. Installing cavity wall insulation in older homes improves efficiency by reducing heat loss through walls by up to 35%.Using draught excluders, keeping internal doors closed on cold days, and...