Gloucestershire energy charity says people are worried about the cost of Christmas

Energy charity Severn Wye are giving tips on how to cook Christmas dinner cost effectively.

Author: Rachael White Published 22nd Dec 2023

The charity have said this winter they are seeing more reliance on their helpline than ever before.

Sandy Ruthven, CEO at Severn Wye, said: "We're seeing people staying in bed all day because they can't afford to heat their homes, they're worried about inviting friends over, or going out because they don't have the money."

As Christmas is approaching the charity have seen an increase in concerns about the cost of Christmas.

To help ease some of the pressure, they are giving tips on how to reduce energy consumption whilst cooking Christmas Day dinner.

Emma Price, Senior Home Energy Advisor, said: "If you're going to use the oven don't preheat it for anymore than 10 minutes, you don't need to.

"Avoid opening the oven door to repeatedly check food, every time you do you're losing heat from the oven and it'll have to build back up.

"You can turn ovens off a few minutes earlier and use the residual heat to keep food cooking.

"Only fill the kettle with the amount you need, to save money and water."

Emma Price also suggested using more cost effective appliances like slow cookers, microwaves, and air fryers.

She said: "Slow cookers can be as much as 75% more efficient than stoves and ovens."

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