Energy crunch delivers stiff chill as inflation bites into UK household spending

Saving money

In the survey of 2,000 adults in the UK, about 46 percent of respondents said they have already stopped or reduced eating out and 34 percent are shopping at a cheaper supermarket to save money.

David Chan, 36, who is studying for a Master's degree in Leeds, said he is anxious about using his heating this winter because he is worried about rising bills.

He is also more aware of the prices of items he buys, and opts for something cheaper if he can, he said.

"My main concern is the heating and how much that will cost, so I'm now just wearing more layers, but I will turn on my heating if it gets too cold. I also brought an electric heater, so I can just heat up one room rather than heating up the whole house, which I hope will keep costs down."

Cox said she will also turn on the heating if she has to, but will do so cautiously.

"I hate being cold, but I am aware of not ramping up the heating as much as I normally do in previous years. I have got the hot water bottles out and make sure doors are properly shut to keep the draft out, and I'll wear more clothes or light the log burner. We'll keep one room warm and don't have to heat the whole house."

Under the government's Energy Price Guarantee, households using a typical amount of gas and electricity can expect to pay 2,500 pounds ($3,050) a year.

Without this support, Ofgem, the UK's regulator for the electricity and gas markets, said the average energy bill would have risen to 4,279 pounds a year next month.

BO LEUNG in London