Living off-grid can be a world-changing experience for various reasons and increasingly, more people are looking to move away from the busyness of everyday life in exchange for living off-grid. This can be an intimidating process, with many learning curves - especially for those who are new to living on-grid.

What is off-grid living?

People who live off-grid in the UK are people who have chosen to live independently from public utility services such as the National Grid. Off-grid housing generates its power through energy sources like domestic home heating oil. Those who live off-grid are also more self-sufficient due to their energy independence, often growing their food and managing their waste sustainably. 

Living off-grid can be both challenging and rewarding. In this article, we’re going to cover the benefits of living off-grid such as increased cost-savings, living in a close-knit community, flexibility, and control, as well as enhanced resilience.  

1. Increased Cost Savings

Initially, making the move to live off-grid can be costly, however, it can increase your cost savings for energy bills in the long term. This is because heating oil prices fluctuate regularly, allowing homeowners to buy domestic heating oil in bulk and capitalise on lower prices. This is especially prevalent in summer, when heating oil is not in as much demand and many of those who live off-grid order in summer and store their home heating oil until it is required in the colder months.

2. Close-knit Communities

In our modern, inter-connected world, it can be rare to form genuine friendships and connections with like-minded people, however, living in an off-grid community has several advantages. Often, those living in rural areas form strong bonds with their neighbours, contributing to an enhanced sense of security and trust. 

Furthermore, living in a close-knit community can foster a sense of belonging and fulfillment, as well as friendships that enhance daily life. These connections provide mutual support, shared resources, and a network of neighbours who look out for one another. Not only this but many communities in rural areas opt to purchase domestic home heating oil in buying groups (also known as oil clubs, syndicates, or co-operatives) which enables members to leverage their collective purchasing power and secure lower prices.

3. Flexibility and Control

Another benefit of living off-the-grid is the flexibility and control over your energy use and lifestyle, especially when it comes to home heating oil. This is because off-grid homeowners have direct control over their fuel consumption by monitoring their oil levels with handy tools, such as our remote tank monitor.

By monitoring their energy consumption closely, homeowners can estimate their domestic home heating oil usage and top-up their tank at their convenience. Not only this but unlike grid-connected houses, those living off-grid have greater flexibility and independence when purchasing fuel. This is because off-grid homeowners, as mentioned, can purchase domestic heating oil when prices are favourable or buy in bulk - or both!

4. Efficient and Reduced Energy Consumption

Living off-grid involves lifestyle changes like monitoring energy use and growing food, which can significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce consumption. Off-grid homeowners are typically more conscious of their energy consumption as they don’t want to waste their fuel supply, especially during the colder months! 

Due to this heightened awareness, rural households often utilise energy-saving practices and technology, such as using domestic kerosene additives or programmable thermostats, to maxmise the efficiency of their energy consumption. In turn, by embracing such lifestyle changes, rural households not only reduce their energy consumption but also cultivate a more sustainable and self-reliant lifestyle that aligns with their energy management.

5. Resilience 

Off-grid homes that rely on home heating oil are less affected by power cuts that can impact grid-connected properties and disrupt daily life. This resilience is a significant advantage for off-grid homeowners as power outages can last for prolonged periods for those living in rural areas. This means, that if there is a power outage at the height of winter, those who rely on heating oil can heat their homes and continue to use hot water, unlike those living on-grid. 

Continued access to hot water and the ability to heat your home during power cuts helps to maintain daily living, with little to no interruption. The reassurance of energy security, especially during power cuts, is a significant benefit of living-off-the-grid and relying on domestic heating oil. Not only this but having energy security is also a key advantage for vulnerable people whilst also offering cost savings, as you won’t need to rely on expensive emergency heating solutions. This self-sufficiency can provide peace of mind and financial benefits, particularly during winter.

Overall, living off-the-grid has many benefits, from cost savings to enhanced resilience and sustainaibility, off-grid living truly promotes energy independence. As more individuals seek to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life, off-grid living offers a beneficial alternative to skyscrapers, cities, and cement.

Already living off-grid and in need of a top up? We’ve got you covered! Get a quote today and experience significant savings with Your NRG.