UK households have been issued a stark warning that their traditional festive lighting could lead to soaring energy bills this Christmas. However, financial guru Martin Lewis has revealed that one simple change could dramatically reduce costs in November and December.
The Costly Truth About Traditional Christmas Lights
Martin Lewis, the 52-year-old founder of Money Saving Expert, has delivered a clear message: if you are still using old-fashioned incandescent Christmas lights, you are likely paying significantly more than you need to. He provided a definitive rule of thumb for running costs, stating that for a string of 100 bulbs, LED lights cost around 1p for 12 hours of use. In a striking comparison, he highlighted that incandescent lights cost 12 times as much, at 12p for the same period.
Breaking this down for typical festive usage, Lewis explained that running 100 bulbs for six hours a day over a month would cost roughly 15p with LEDs. The same usage with older incandescent bulbs would cost approximately £1.80. This represents a potential saving of over £1.60 per 100 bulbs each month, a figure that multiplies quickly with larger outdoor displays.
How to Calculate Your Own Festive Energy Use
For customers of major energy suppliers like British Gas, EDF, EON, Ovo, and Octopus, calculating your specific cost is straightforward. First, find the wattage of your light set. Multiply this wattage by 24.5p, which is the current average price per kWh under the energy price cap. Then, multiply that result by the number of hours you plan to use the lights. Finally, divide the total by 1,000 to get your cost in pounds.
This calculation makes it easy to see the direct financial impact of your decorative choices. Lewis emphasised that while incandescent lights are far more expensive to run, LED lights are "really not that expensive to run", giving his blessing for households to enjoy their festive sparkle without financial guilt, provided they make the efficient choice.
The Long-Term Savings of Making the Switch
The initial investment in LED lights is also relatively low. A basic string of 100 LED lights can be purchased for as little as £5, while larger outdoor options, such as a 20-metre rope light, might cost £15 or more. The key takeaway is that these lights pay for themselves over time, especially when reused year after year.
By opting for energy-efficient LED lighting, families can significantly reduce their December energy expenditure. This simple switch not only keeps bills manageable during an expensive time of year but also contributes to lower overall energy consumption. Martin Lewis's advice offers a clear path to a brighter and more affordable Christmas.
