The Default Energy Cap & Lighting

Homeowners are set to face further energy price rises with the announcement from Ofgem that from October 1^st, 2024, the  price cap – which sets a maximum rate per unit and standing charge that can be billed to customers for their energy use – will rise by 10% on the previous quarter.

For an average household paying by direct debit for dual fuel this equates to £1,717 per year, adding around £12 a month to an average bill.

Whilst energy price increases are never welcome, coming in the winter months as the nights draw in and temperature plummets, it is an even bigger blow to household budgets. It is therefore an ideal time to consider making changes to residential lighting systems and usage.

Lighting is estimated to  account for around 15% of home energy costs and so by implementing changes by installing LED lighting, alongside considering a smart control system can provide significant benefits.

Based upon the assumed the figure of 15% for lighting energy usage, reducing the lighting energy consumption by a third will reduce the total home energy costs by around 5%, which relates to around 50% of the proposed increase in the Energy Price Cap.

The actual rates of the energy costs for which you are charged, obviously depend on the energy contract, , how the bill is paid and the type of meter controlling usage.

Installing energy efficient lighting fittings is only  half the benefit of course. It is lighting controls that offer the greatest efficiencies in energy use. OCTO from Ansell Lighting is a great example of a premium connected lighting service that offers customers tailored and personalised solutions.

The OCTO system allows seamless pairing using WiZ Connected WiFi and Bluetooth hybrid technology, with the opportunity to optimise the lighting system using a smartphone, a remote, a motion sensor, or an existing wall switch, whilst also offering the added benefit in the ability to control the lighting when away from the home. Being able to schedule automation of the OCTO WiZ connected lighting system to fit within daily routines, creates an effective solution, whilst also maximising efficacy in optimising energy usage.

In addition, OCTO Wiz smart plugs can be used in regular 13Amp 3-pin wall sockets and operated by the app to remotely switch on and off non-fixed lighting fittings, such as desk and table lamps.

With each WiZ lighting product having its own 32-bit MCU chip with WiFi, this allows for smarter automation, where the lights are directly, constantly, and reliably connected to the cloud for up-to-date preferences and settings without of the need to install a hub or bridge. With a powerful multi-user system allowing three different tiers of access over multiple WiZ locations, the homeowner can remotely amend settings for controlling the lights in all their WiZ locations.

Whilst this investment is certainly not going to offer an earth-shattering saving on energy costs, it certainly does go a long way.