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Martin Lewis Urges Switch to LED Christmas Lights to Cut Winter Energy Bills

His rule of thumb puts LEDs at about 1p per 12 hours per 100 bulbs, a roughly 12-fold saving over old incandescents.

Overview

  • UK outlets are resurfacing Lewis’s guidance as households prepare decorations for November and December.
  • Seasonal estimates cited from his calculations suggest a 1,000‑bulb LED set run eight hours daily for a month could cost under £1.
  • Larger outdoor LED displays are reported at around £6.78 for the festive period, with typical totals ranging from about 15p to £2.16 depending on usage.
  • The figures were based on the 2024 energy price cap, though reporters note LEDs remain inexpensive to run relative to incandescent lights.
  • Incandescent sets were effectively withdrawn from sale under EU rules in 2016, and public reactions on social media highlight relief and confirm LEDs “cost pennies to run.”