Rising Energy Prices: What Households Can Do and Why Electricians Are Part of the Solution 

Energy bills have become one of the biggest concerns for UK households in recent years. Even before the geopolitical shocks of 2022, wholesale gas prices had already surged, driving consumer costs higher. By spring 2022, forecasts suggested that combined fuel bills for an average home could exceed £2,000 per year, with some increases of up to 50% compared to the previous year. 

While homeowners cannot control wholesale prices, there are practical steps every household can take to manage usage and cut costs. At the same time, the role of trained electricians is becoming more critical than ever — not just in fitting energy-saving technology, but also in delivering the green transition that will reduce reliance on volatile energy markets in the first place. 

Why Prices Rose So Sharply 

Wholesale gas costs rose by 250% in 2021, with a further spike of 70% in August alone. Several energy suppliers collapsed under the pressure, forcing larger providers to absorb customers. Chris O’Shea, chief executive of Centrica, told the BBC there was “no reason” to expect gas prices to fall quickly. 

Industry leaders urged government intervention through three measures: 

• Deferring the costs faced by surviving suppliers. 

• Removing the 5% VAT on energy, at least temporarily. 

• Shifting green transition levies from bills to general taxation. 

But regardless of political decisions, UK households were left facing higher costs. This brought renewed attention to efficiency — from simple behavioural changes to investment in smarter systems and low-carbon technologies. 

Energy Saving Tips for Every Household 

Some of the most effective steps require little or no upfront cost: 

• Switch appliances off standby: Turning devices off at the plug can save up to £40 a year. 

• Choose energy-efficient lighting and appliances: LED bulbs and A+++ rated white goods reduce consumption over the long term. 

• Wash clothes at lower temperatures: Washing at 30°C rather than 40°C can save energy, and cutting one cycle per week trims around £5 annually. 

• Be smart with kettles and dishwashers: Only boiling what you need or running full dishwasher loads can save £8–£10 per year. 

• Turn thermostats down slightly: Even a one-degree reduction can make a noticeable difference across a heating season. 

• Install smart thermostats and TRVs: These allow zoned heating, ensuring energy is directed only to occupied rooms. 

While modest in isolation, these measures add up and give households more control during periods of high energy costs. 

The Role of Electricians in Tackling Energy Costs 

Beyond these small steps, more significant savings come from technology — and this is where skilled electricians play a crucial role. Smart controls, modern heating systems, efficient rewiring, and renewable installations all require trained professionals. 

For example: 

• Smart thermostat installation is most reliable when carried out by a competent person who can ensure compatibility with existing systems. 

• Lighting redesigns with LEDs and control systems are often handled by electricians. 

• Domestic solar and battery storage require accredited installation. 

• EV charging points are a growing part of the picture, giving homeowners flexibility on when to charge and often accessing cheaper night-time tariffs. 

Learners who train with Elec Training often want to position themselves at the forefront of this change. Whether they’re career changers or existing electricians, upskilling is becoming essential. 

JIB Pay and the Push Towards Energy Skills 

Electricians are also weighing up how skills affect income. Many learners ask what are the jib rates of pay, and the answer is clear: pay scales are tied directly to qualifications and competence. 

With the new 2026–28 JIB deal, wages are increasing, but employers will prioritise those who can demonstrate skills in emerging areas such as renewables, smart technology, and EV infrastructure. Investing in training is no longer optional — it’s a route to higher rates, more secure work, and long-term career stability. 

EV Installation and the Green Transition 

The rise of electric vehicles is a cornerstone of the UK’s decarbonisation strategy. More drivers are s witching to EVs each year, and the demand for charging points continues to grow. 

This is why dedicated training routes like the ev installation course are becoming essential. Covering both domestic and commercial installations, these courses prepare electricians to: 

• Safely design and install EV charging systems. 

• Carry out inspection, testing, and certification. 

• Understand tariff options and grid impact. 

• Meet BS 7671 requirements for EV supply equipment. 

For career changers, EV installation is often seen as one of the most future-proof skills to gain. It ties directly into the demand for energy efficiency and creates opportunities across domestic, commercial, and public sector projects. 

Regional Training Access 

For learners in the Midlands, proximity to training centres can make the decision easier. Local delivery options include: 

• Electrician Courses Tamworth – serving Staffordshire and the wider West Midlands. 

• Electrician Courses Bridgnorth – accessible for those in Shropshire and surrounding areas. 

These centres allow learners to build skills without extensive travel, while still accessing nationally recognised qualifications. 

Elec Training: Supporting Learners Through the Transition 

At Elec Training, our role is to give learners the confidence, qualifications, and industry context they need to succeed. From foundational courses through to specialist options such as EV installation, we focus on real industry standards and progression routes. 

We also support learners by highlighting how training connects to bigger issues: rising household costs, government policy, JIB pay rates, and the shift towards net zero. That context ensures learners see their training not as a tick-box exercise, but as a genuine investment in long-term employability. 

You can explore our courses and upcoming schedules at https://elec.training/. 

Rising energy prices are more than a household challenge — they are reshaping the UK’s approach to efficiency, technology, and training. For homeowners, small changes in behaviour can trim bills. For electricians and career changers, the opportunity lies in upskilling to deliver the technologies that will make a lasting difference. 

The UK will continue to need qualified installers who understand not just how to fit a device, but how to integrate it into a wider system that saves energy and supports sustainability. For those willing to train, now is the right time to get ahead. 

FAQs on UK Energy Prices, Savings, and Electrician Opportunities (2025) 

Below is a comprehensive FAQ addressing your questions on rising UK energy prices, household savings, and opportunities for electricians, based on current data as of September 15, 2025. 

1 – Why have UK energy prices risen so sharply in recent years?

UK energy prices have risen sharply due to a combination of global and domestic factors, with wholesale costs remaining elevated post-2022 energy crisis. Key reasons include: higher wholesale gas and electricity prices driven by geopolitical tensions (e.g., Ukraine conflict), reduced renewable generation from low winds and weather variability, increased costs for transporting energy in Great Britain, and additional financial support for vulnerable households on benefits. The October–December 2025 price cap will see typical bills 44% higher than pre-crisis levels, despite falls in late 2023–2024, with a £35 quarterly rise from October 2025 linked to network and policy costs. Freezing weather in early 2025 further spiked wholesale prices, making the UK one of Europe’s most expensive markets for consumers. 

2 – What simple steps can households take to cut their energy bills without major investment?

Households can cut bills by £100–£400 annually with low/no-cost changes: 

• Draught-proof windows and doors using seals or tape (£10–£20, saves £20–£50/year by retaining heat). 

• Reduce shower time to 4 minutes (saves £40–£60/year on hot water). 

• Switch off appliances at standby (e.g., TVs, chargers; saves £30–£50/year via plugs or timers). 

• Top up the hot water cylinder thermostat to 60°C (saves £20–£30/year). 

• Wash clothes at 30°C and air-dry (saves £40/year vs. higher temps/tumble dryer). 

• Turn off lights when leaving rooms (saves £7/year per bulb). 

• Set thermostat 1°C lower (saves £80–£100/year). 

• Use eco modes on appliances and unplug overnight. These steps, per Energy Saving Trust, require minimal investment and can yield quick returns. 

3 – How much difference can LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances really make?

LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances can save £50–£200/year per household: 

• LEDs: Use 80% less energy than h alogens/incandescents and last 10x longer; replacing all bulbs in a typical home saves £30–£50/year on electricity (e.g., 10W LED vs. 60W incandescent). With smart controls (motion/dimming), savings reach 70% for lighting (up to £100/year in high-use homes). 

• Appliances: A-rated models (e.g., fridges, washers) use 20–50% less energy; upgrading a fridge saves £20–£40/year, washing machine £30–£50/year. Standby cuts add £30/year. Overall, full swaps reduce bills by 10–15% (£100–£150/year), per Energy Saving Trust, with payback in 1–3 years. In 2025, LEDs cost £2–£5 each, making them accessible. 

4 – Do smart thermostats and TRVs save enough energy to justify the cost of installation?

Yes, smart thermostats and TRVs often justify costs with 10–25% savings (£80–£200/year), yielding payback in 2–5 years: 

• Smart Thermostats (e.g., Nest, Hive; £150–£250 install): Save 10–12% on heating via app/geofencing (e.g., auto-adjust for occupancy); Tado estimates 31% in zoned homes. Annual savings: £100–£150 for average bills (£1,500). 

• TRVs (Thermostatic Radiator Valves): £410–£550 for full set (smart versions £200–£400); save 20–25% by zoning rooms (up to 42% in trials). Combined with thermostats: £200–£300/year. 2025 costs include professional install (£100–£200 for TRVs), but savings outweigh for gas-heated homes. Energy Saving Trust notes 8–16% for thermostats alone; ideal for multi-room setups. 

5 – What kind of energy-saving technology requires a qualified electrician to install?

Technologies requiring a qualified electrician (NVQ Level 3, 18th Edition) include: 

• Solar PV Systems: Wiring to consumer units, inverters, and DNO compliance (Part P notifiable). 

• Battery Storage (EESS): DC/AC integration, earthing, and RCD protection under BS 7671 Chapter 82. 

• EV Charging Points: Single/three-phase installs, PEN-fault detection, and load management (OZEV/MCS accredited). 

• Smart Home Systems: Advanced wiring for thermostats, underfloor heating, or energy monitors involving new circuits. 

• Insulation/Efficiency Upgrades: Loft/cavity wall (if electrical interfaces) or heat pumps (electrical connections). These ensure safety/compliance; DIY risks fines (£5,000+) or voids insurance. Electricians self-certify via NICEIC/NAPIT. 

6 – How can electricians help households reduce long-term energy costs?

Electricians can reduce costs by 10–30% (£150–£450/year) through: 

• Installing LEDs/smart lighting (£50–£100 savings). 

• Upgrading appliances/insulating wiring (e.g., efficient consumer units, saves £100/year). 

• Fitting TRVs/smart thermostats (£200–£300/year via zoning). 

• Advising on tariffs/monitors for real-time usage. 

• Long-term: Solar PV/battery installs (6–10 year p ayback, £400–£800/year savings) or EV chargers with solar integration. They provide EICRs (£150–£300) to identify inefficiencies and qualify for grants (ECO4). In 2025, electricians bundle services for net-zero homes, boosting client savings via MCS/OZEV. 

7 – Are renewable solutions like solar PV, battery storage, and EV charging worth it for typical homes?

Yes, for typical UK homes (3–4 beds, £1,500+ bills), renewables offer 6–10 year payback with £400–£1,000/year savings: 

• Solar PV: £5,000–£8,000 install (4kWp); 6–8 year payback, £500–£800/year via exports/usage (0% VAT until 2027). Boosts property value 7% (£16,000). 

• Battery Storage: £3,500–£9,000 (5–10kWh); 8–10 year standalone payback (£200–£500/year off-peak), 6–8 with solar (£400+). 

• EV Charging: £500–£1,000 install + £350 OZEV grant; saves £300–£500/year vs. petrol (solar integration adds £200). Worth it for south-facing roofs/high usage; Future Homes Standard mandates PV from 2027. Incentives/ECO4 make it viable for 70% of homes. 

8 – How do rising energy costs create career opportunities for electricians and career changers?

Rising costs (44% above pre-crisis) drive demand for efficiency, creating 160,000+ jobs by 2030: 

• Electricians: Upskill in EV/solar (20% pay boost, £40,000–£60,000); install savings tech (thermostats, LEDs) or renewables for grants. 315% growth in green roles. 

• Career Changers: Fast-tracks (1–2 years) to qualify, then CPD (2–3 days) for EV/PV; Bootcamps (free) target adults 19+. High demand (22% install rise) offers entry via mateships (£20,000–£25,000 starting). Net-zero push (300,000 chargers by 2030) favors certified pros for bundled work. 

9 – What are the current JIB rates of pay for electricians, and how do energy-related skills affect earnings?

JIB rates (England/Wales, effective January 6, 2025) include a 5% rise: 

• Apprentice (Stage 1): £8.16/hour (national); £9.00 London. 

• Electrician: £17.32/hour; £21.50 London (3.95% rise 2026). 

• Approved Electrician: £18.78/hour; £23.00+ London. 

• Technician: £20.00/hour; £24.50+ London. Sick pay: £210–£220/week (weeks 3–24). Energy skills (EV, solar, efficiency) add £5–£10/hour (£5,000–£12,000/year), pushing totals to £40,000–£60,000 via premiums/grants; 14% rise secured 2025–2028. 

10 – Where can I find recognised training for electricians who want to upskill in energy efficiency and EV installation?

Recognized training (C&G, EAL, LCL) is available via accredited providers: 

Elec Training