British Gas Brings Extra Light To Winter With Giant SAD Lamps In Norwich As January Blues Hits

22 January 2026

4 Minutes

Customers

Media Relations

As the UK settles into the darkest days of winter, British Gas is helping brighten the nation’s mood, literally, by installing giant SAD lamps in Norwich, the town feeling the January blues most strongly this year.

British Gas has been lighting streets for over 200 years and has a long-standing role in keeping homes warm and working through winter. The SAD lamps celebrate this whilst also bringing an extra boost to the people of Norwich facing shorter and greyer days.

New British Gas research reveals that a quarter of people in Norwich (25%) say January’s lack of daylight can weigh on their mood, making it the UK town most affected by winter blues. Stoke (24%), Swansea (24%), Manchester (21%) and Edinburgh (16%) also feature among the places where January feels toughest.

“Winter can be a difficult time, but we’re here to provide reliable support, so people can focus on feeling good and getting through the season.”

David Moody, Operational Heritage Manager at British Gas

Across the country, January is widely felt as a challenging month. One in four Brits (25%) say they feel low knowing warmer weather is still months away, while half (50%) notice people being more irritable at this time of year. The 10th of January has even earned a reputation as one of the most difficult days of the month, highlighting the familiar mid-winter slump.

To help lift spirits, Brits are turning to simple comforts at home, something British Gas knows matters most at this time of year. Over half (56%) make sure their homes are warm and snug, 56% enjoy hot drinks, and 34% light candles to create a cosy atmosphere. Nearly half (45%) prioritise spending time with friends and family, while others boost their mood by getting outside for winter walks (31%), cooking healthy meals (27%) or making the most of available daylight (27%).

The SAD lamp installation in Norwich reflects British Gas’ mission to make homes and lives brighter, combining warmth, light and reliability when people need it most.

British Gas has enlisted the help of psychologist, Dr. Becky Spelman who said ‘"January is often one of the hardest months of the year for many people across the UK.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is linked to reduced exposure to natural light, which can affect the body’s internal clock and the hormones that regulate mood and sleep. Even people who do not meet the criteria for SAD, often experience a milder version of the winter blues. This is not a sign of weakness. It is a very human response to environmental changes that are largely outside our control.

Light plays a key role in how we feel during winter. Increasing light exposure in the morning can help signal to the brain that it is time to wake up and feel more alert. Using a SAD lamp can be particularly helpful when natural daylight is limited. Spending time outdoors during daylight hours, even briefly, can also support mood and energy.

At home, creating a warm and comforting environment matters more than people often realise. Feeling physically warm, relaxed and safe can help regulate emotions and reduce stress. Simple comforts such as soft lighting, warm drinks and cosy spaces can have a real psychological impact.”

Dr. Spelman also offered some top tips on how people can best manage the winter months, when SAD can really hit us hard:

1) Use a SAD lamp in the morning to boost light exposure

2) Get outside during daylight hours whenever possible

3) Make your home warm, cosy and comforting with soft lighting and ambience

4) Stick to a gentle daily routine

5) Prioritise good sleep and regular bedtimes

6) Move your body in small, manageable ways

7) Stay socially connected, even briefly

8) Eat regular, nourishing meals

9) Reduce doom scrolling and excessive screen time

10) Seek professional support if low mood persists

David Moody, Operational Heritage Manager at British Gas, said: “For more than 200 years, British Gas has been helping to light and heat homes across the country, from caring for London’s iconic gas lamps to keeping households warm and comfortable today. Winter can be a difficult time, but we’re here to provide reliable support, so people can focus on feeling good and getting through the season.”

Alongside moments of light-hearted positivity, British Gas continues to offer practical peace of mind. With same-day boiler repairs available for customers who call before 11am, the company helps ensure homes stay warm, safe and comfortable - even on the coldest, darkest January days.

Britain’s 20 towns feeling the January blues