Are you a tea lover? Brace yourself – your energy bills are about to rise!
From April 1, 2025, British tea drinkers will see an extra £98.55 added to their annual energy costs. This increase is due to the electricity or gas required to boil water, a daily ritual for millions of UK households. But don’t worry—there are ways to cut costs while still enjoying your daily brew.
In this post, we’ll break down why this charge is happening and share practical energy-saving tips for tea lovers.
Why Are Tea Drinkers Facing Higher Energy Costs?
Tea is an integral part of British culture. On average, a Brit drinks 884 cups of tea per year—that’s about 2.4 cups per day. (Mirror)
However, boiling water consumes a significant amount of energy, and tea drinkers are experiencing financial strain due to rising utility prices.
The £98.55 annual increase is based on a household of two people drinking tea daily. This works out to an extra 27p per day, which may not seem much at first, but adds up over a year.
7 Smart Ways to Reduce Energy Costs for Tea Drinkers
If you love your tea but want to cut your energy bill, here are seven practical tips to save money:
1. Only Boil What You Need
Many individuals overfill the kettle, even when preparing a single cup. This wastes energy! Instead:
✅ Measure the water needed for your tea
✅ Use the kettle’s markings to boil just enough
By doing this, you could cut your energy use by up to 50%.
2. Use an Energy-Efficient Kettle
Invest in a low-energy kettle with smart features like:
🔹 Rapid boil – Heats water faster using less electricity
🔹 Temperature control – Boils only to the required temperature
🔹 Keep warm function – Prevents unnecessary reheating
Top energy-saving kettle brands: Breville, Russell Hobbs, and Morphy Richards.
3. Descale Your Kettle Regularly
Limescale buildup reduces efficiency, making your kettle work harder.
✔ Clean your kettle every 4–6 weeks using vinegar or descaling tablets.
4. Keep Your Tea Warm for Longer
Instead of reboiling water multiple times a day, keep your tea warm with:
🫖 Insulated mugs
🥤 Thermal flasks
This can cut your energy use by 30% over time.
5. Batch Brew and Store in a Flask
If you drink multiple cups a day, boil water once and store it in a thermos.
🫙 This keeps water hot for hours and avoids constant reheating.
6. Use a Smart Plug or Timer
A smart plug can schedule your kettle to heat water at specific times, reducing standby energy waste.
7. Align Tea Breaks with Others
If you live with others, boil water together instead of multiple times throughout the day.
Will These Tips Actually Save You Money?
Yes! Here’s how much you could potentially save per year by following these steps:
| Tip | Estimated Annual Savings (£) |
|---|---|
| Boiling only what you need | £20–£30 |
| Using an energy-efficient kettle | £15–£25 |
| Descaling regularly | £5–£10 |
| Using a thermos | £10–£20 |
| Batch brewing | £10–£15 |
| Smart plugs | £5–£10 |
| Aligning tea breaks | £5–£10 |
Total potential savings: £70–£120 per year!
Final Thoughts
The cost of energy is rising, and tea drinkers in the UK are feeling the impact. But small changes in how you boil and consume tea can save you nearly £100 per year.
By boiling only what you need, using an energy-efficient kettle, and keeping tea warm efficiently, you can continue to enjoy your daily cuppa without going over budget.
Do you have any other energy-saving tea tips? Share them in the comments!
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