As energy prices continue to rise, many businesses and households are searching for ways to reduce their electricity bills without sacrificing the magic of festive lighting. In the UK, lighting is a significant component of business energy consumption. As of 2013, lighting accounted for approximately 18% of the UK’s total electricity usage. Commercial lighting is responsible for roughly 70% of this consumption.
By 2022, spending on electricity had increased by 36% compared to the previous year, reflecting rising energy costs and consumption patterns and the trend is even more marked during the holidays as businesses increase their use of decorative and festive lighting, further increasing energy consumption.
Households aren’t spared from this: according to 2024 data from the ONS, an average set of 200 indoor Christmas tree lights costs around £0.12 per hour to run and most households will use two strings of lights, adding up to 80 watts, running them for six hours daily throughout the festive period can cost £6.36.
Typical bills under the current price cap are 30-40% higher than in winter 2021/22. Electricity prices experienced a 10% increase in October 2024, making energy efficiency more important than ever.
Experts at Ultra LEDs have compiled their 10 top tips to help you enjoy festive lighting while keeping your energy bills in check.
1. Switch to LED Lights Although the use of incandescent lights has been mostly phased out, some this year may still be sold, or you might use your old incandescent strings. LED lights use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. Running LED lights for six hours a day throughout December costs as little as £1.34.
2. Use Timers Set timers to switch off lights during late-night hours, saving energy by preventing unnecessary usage.
3. Opt for Solar-Powered Lights For outdoor decorations, solar-powered lights can offer a cost-free, eco-friendly solution, even on cloudy days.
4. Choose Smart Lighting Smart LED lights allow you to set schedules and control brightness, optimising energy use and reducing costs.
5. Reduce Display Hours Limit your light display to a few hours in the evening to lower your electricity consumption while still spreading festive cheer.
6. Use Reflective Decorations and Surroundings Enhance the impact of your lighting by incorporating reflective elements beyond traditional tree ornaments, such as tinsel, mirrors, and even window display features. These additions can amplify the glow of your lights and create a more radiant display while reducing the need for extra lighting.
7. Select Low-Wattage Lights Opt for low-wattage LED lights to create the same festive atmosphere with minimal energy consumption.
8. Focus on Key Areas Prioritise high-impact areas like windows or entryways instead of covering the whole house, reducing your overall energy use.
9. Invest in High-Efficiency LEDs Ultra-efficient LED bulbs provide over 210 lumens per watt, saving up to 95% on energy costs compared to traditional lights.
10. Unplug When Not in Use. Even when turned off, plugged-in lights can still use energy. Unplug them when not in use to avoid unnecessary power drain.
Tom Ralston, Managing Director and Owner Ultra LEDs commented “LED lights not only use less electricity but also allow for a variety of brightness settings and colour options, which can create vibrant displays with minimal energy consumption. Running a string of LED Christmas lights for six hours a day throughout December typically costs less than £1 per month in the UK. During the festive season, as darker evenings draw in, LED lighting becomes essential not only for home decorations but also to achieve stunning commercial displays, lighting trails, and festive events, maximising impact while keeping energy usage low.”
“Smart lighting systems, allow users to control their holiday lights remotely through apps, adjust brightness levels, and schedule lighting times. This ensures that lights are only on when needed, further reducing electricity consumption. For businesses, this means a far greater flexibility in achieving dynamic displays for the darker winter evenings: from lighting trails to immersive lighting-up events. Timers also help prevent lights from being left on unnecessarily, such as overnight, saving energy. These features add convenience while ensuring that festive lighting remains cost-effective and eco-friendly.”
With rising energy costs and the prospect of further increases in 2025, these expert tips can help you keep your festive lighting both cost-effective and energy-efficient. LED lights, smart timers, and solar-powered solutions offer significant savings while maintaining the festive spirit.