Self build 'could stave off winter energy drain'

New research has found that British households use around 40 per cent of their annual energy over the winter months.

However, over half a million Britons will do nothing to combat the rising cost of gas and electricity, moneysupermarket.com has found.

A customer on a standard tariff who pays £1,295 a year could face a bill of £510 once the Christmas festivities are over.

Scott Byrom, utilities manager at the site, suggests that Brits will "bear the brunt" of the recent tariff hikes as the "winter weather starts to bite".

Anyone embarking on a self build home has the opportunity to install a range of energy-saving initiatives to help reduce the amount of money they spend on gas and electricity, from solar panels to cavity wall insulation.

Around £6.8 billion is wasted on energy in the UK every year, figures from the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes have revealed.