UK households waking up to £12 energy bills after taking brave decision

UK households can pay just £12 a month for energy after making a huge switch. Matt Mecham, 48, decided to install solar panels after the energy crisis hit in 2021, taking annual bills to sky-high amounts with bills now £1717 under the Ofgem price cap.

The software engineer lives in Peterborough with wife Debbie and two children 16 and 8. He said: “We became very aware of bills rising. As a busy family of four, we use a lot of energy, we also have a very energy-hungry hot tub and electric car.”

The family uses about 20 a day and gets paid to send some back to the grid during summer – giving a credit to the bill of between £20 and £30. Matt said: “We look at the electricity pouring out. It’s been fantastic. Even when it’s rainy and grey you still produce.”

READ MORE Met Office says snow could hit UK within days and explains where's set for flurries

Matt added: “We have no regrets doing it. We keep off the grid during the day through the summer. And we pay a bit more in winter when the system generates less.” Joanna O’Loan, knowledge manager at Energy Saving Trust said: “With electricity prices remaining high and more flexible tariffs becoming available which favour renewable energy generation, it could be a good time to consider if solar panels are right for you.

“In the bigger picture, domestic renewable energy will be an increasingly integral part of the UK’s transition to net zero, supporting the shift to a low carbon society, alongside low carbon heating, transport and a flexible, renewable energy grid.”

In January the famly had an energy bill of £115, with around £65 of that charging the car. After the upfront cost was £11,000, Matt says he and the family reckon they'll have made that back in energy savings within three or maybe four years.