The cost of enjoying a simple cup of tea is set to rise dramatically as the price of boiling the kettle is expected to soar from April 1. The routine task of boiling water for daily tea consumption will become more expensive due to Ofgem’s gas and electricity price caps increasing by 6.4%, equating to an average rise of £111 per year. This price hike will affect various household activities, including operating appliances like the washing machine or oven, but the impact on boiling the kettle is particularly significant as it is one of the most energy-intensive appliances in the kitchen.
Many people may overlook the cost associated with boiling the kettle, given its short usage periods. However, a standard kettle with a 3kW element and 1.7 litre capacity will see the cost of boiling water increase from 4.9p to 5.4p per kWh as Ofgem’s price cap rises from 24.86p to 27.03p per kWh. A YouGov survey indicates that the average Brit consumes around 884 cups of tea annually, amounting to approximately 2.5 cups per day. For a two-person household of tea drinkers, this translates to a daily expenditure of 27p on boiling water for tea, resulting in an annual cost of £98.55.
With the upcoming price hike, the expense of enjoying five cups of tea daily is projected to rise by £9.13 annually. To mitigate this cost increase, there are various strategies that individuals can implement. For instance, only boiling the required amount of water instead of filling the kettle to its full capacity can save around £20 per year. Additionally, addressing limescale build-up, especially in hard water areas, can not only improve the taste of the water but also reduce the time and energy required to boil the kettle.
It is recommended to descale the kettle regularly to maintain its efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Another suggestion is to explore economical energy tariffs that may offer savings of up to 6%, potentially saving around £105 annually compared to the April price cap. Those not currently on a fixed tariff can consider switching to a more cost-effective plan to manage expenses effectively before the impending price increase next month.
As households brace themselves for higher energy costs, it becomes imperative to adopt energy-saving practices to minimise expenditure on everyday activities like making a cup of tea. By being mindful of water usage, addressing limescale build-up, and exploring more affordable energy tariffs, individuals can navigate the impending price hike more efficiently while still indulging in their daily tea rituals.
The rising cost of boiling the kettle serves as a reminder of the broader impact of increasing energy prices on households. It underscores the importance of being proactive in managing energy consumption and exploring cost-effective solutions to mitigate the financial strain of escalating utility bills. As consumers adapt to these changes, finding ways to reduce energy usage and expenses in daily routines like making tea can contribute to overall savings and efficient resource management.