Tackle energy bills, reduce energy use and cut costs 

There are two things you can alter on your energy bill: the price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and the number of units you use

Appliances should be judged on their energy efficiency on replacement and that includes that television set. Pictures: iStock

With the darkest, coldest days of the year enfolding us, many of us are focused on stratospheric electricity price rises from our 14 suppliers in Ireland in the last 12 months.

The providers cite market forces beyond their reach. With Amber Alerts by Eirgrid blamed on insufficient wind production — it all feels less than empowering at the plug end of the deal.