British Gas, OVO, EDF, EON, Octopus customers urged to 'close curtains' ahead of £21 charge

British Gas, OVO, EDF, Eon Next and Octopus customers have been urged to close their curtains to try and mitigate the £21 price cap rise from Ofgem in January. Ian Richardson from GFD Homes revealed four simple tweaks you can make to help reduce energy usage and bills.

"Many people don’t realise how much energy is wasted through unsealed or poorly sealed windows and doors," said Mr Richardson. Mr Richardson said: "A quick check around window and door frames can reveal small gaps where air is slipping through.

"Applying weatherstripping or caulking around these frames is an affordable, effective way to seal out draughts. Look for signs of wear in older caulking and replace it as needed." Ofgem has announced that the energy price cap will rise from £1,717 to £1,738 in January - an increase of 1.2%. With this in mind, energy experts have revealed the UK regions that today's news could hit the hardest and have advised Brits on whether or not they should fix their energy tariffs.

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Thermal curtains add a layer of insulation that can keep the warmth in, meaning you don't have to waste more energy to keep the home warmer for longer. "Draw them in the evenings to keep the warmth in, and consider using them in draught-prone rooms for extra comfort," said Mr Richardson.

Another simple fix is to install draught excluders for doors, which "can make a noticeable difference". "By placing a simple draught excluder at the base, you can block cold air from entering and prevent warm air from escaping," said Mr Richardson. "These are easy to install and come in various styles to fit your decor."

Mr Richardson also advised to close any gaps that are around door locks and handles. He explained: "Tiny gaps often form around door locks, handles, and hinges, which many people overlook. Applying foam insulation or draught-resistant tape around these areas can seal them effectively, further reducing heat loss. This is a quick fix that can make a real difference in reducing draughts.”