If you live in shared accommodation, the task of splitting bills can be a tricky one. With the rise in energy prices, this has become an even more difficult and often awkward conversation to have.
Government estimates say that energy bills rose by 54% in April 2022 and again by 27% in October.
READ MORE: I lost £55 by boiling the kettle wrong way and it’s ‘ridiculously easy’ to do
The April increase was equivalent to £700 more across a year for ‘typical’ levels of dual fuel consumption paid by direct debit. The October cap would have been an increase of almost £1,600.
According to Deloitte’s latest Gen Z and Millennial Survey, the cost of living has become the leading concern among Gen Zs and millennials in the UK. 31% of Gen Zs and 38% of millennials cited this as their greatest concern, overtaking climate change.
When it comes to bills and rent, shared housing is typically a more affordable option, but can often be a point of contention in some households.
Brits are already working overtime to figure out ways to crack down on bills, people in house shares are recommended to think of communal activities in the house that would cut back bills, such as cooking dinner together or doing laundry together.
Even doing these things a couple times a week can cut back your electric bill.
Financial educator Ellie Austin-Williams, known as This Girl Talks Money, suggests apportioning costs according to how much energy each housemate wants to consume.
For example, those who work from home and may want the heating on more because of this, would pay more. However, this can be hard to monitor and also could be difficult to approach someone to ask them to contribute more than others.
For example, those who work from home and may want the heating on more because of this, would pay more.
"If certain people are saying, 'I really want to have the heater on all the time and shower for 20 minutes a day,' that’s okay if they are willing to pay a larger portion of those costs," she suggests.
However, this can be hard to monitor and also could be difficult to approach someone to ask them to contribute more than others.
Perhaps trying your best to keep communication clear and being proactive in recognising everyone’s needs is a way to help open a conversation.
It’s worth having a conversation about energy usage in your household before tensions rise. Listen to what everyone has to say and try find a compromise between everyone.
READ NEXT:
'He's out cold': GMP officer shoves fan to the ground in footage outside Old Trafford
Two Manchester restaurants named in top 100 restaurants in the UK
Kids eat for £1 at these Greater Manchester pubs and restaurants all January
Ryanair hits back after passenger makes complaint about seat on flight
