As the households in Shepton grapple with climbing energy expenses, food costs, and mortgages, we've got your back with five FREE strategies to trim down your bills this summer.

For an additional trove of tips to cut your expenses and find assistance with your summer living costs, just click or tap on our 'Help for Households' banner right above.

1. Say hello to savings with shorter showers - up to £70 annually

Trimming your shower time down to four minutes not only conserves water but also saves you a pretty penny on your energy bill. If you're on a metered water plan, your water bill will see the benefits too.

2. Cold wash your clothes to pocket up to £30 annually

Your modern washing machine can spruce up your clothes just fine at cooler temperatures. Just switching from 40°C to 30°C lets you squeeze in an extra wash cycle for the same energy consumption, depending on your washing machine model.

3. Power down appliances at the socket to keep £60 annually

Nearly all your home's electrical gadgets - think computers, TVs, smart devices, and gaming consoles - keep sipping power unless they're unplugged. Remember to switch off the power at the socket or unplug these devices when they're idle.

4. Spin your tumble dryer less for an annual saving of £60

Tumble dryers rank among the top power guzzlers in your home. Cut back on your dryer use by loading it fully, yet not past three-quarters of the drum capacity. Alternatively, you could dry clothes on an airer outdoors, or indoors near an open window for ventilation. Avoid overstuffing your dryer to cut down on the drying time.

5. Install a smart meter for a clear view of your spending

Smart meters offer near-instant data on your energy consumption via an in-home display, helping you keep tabs on your spending and manage your usage better. Since smart meters send automatic readings to your energy supplier, you can bid goodbye to estimated bills and budget more effectively.

Reach out to your energy supplier who can set up a smart meter at no cost.

To discover more government advice and options to cope with your summer living costs, just click or tap on our 'Help for Households' banner at the top of this page.