A recent study by British Gas revealed Brits could save 23% on their electricity bills each year by switching off electronics usually left on standby.
Households in the UK could save a small fortune, its parenting company Centrica said, simply by flicking a switch. Individually, devices left plugged in don't cost much, but collectively and over time, they can add hundreds of pounds to your annual electricity bill.
On April 1, the cap on energy prices imposed by the regulator Ofgem will rise by 54% from £1,277 a year for the average user, to £1,971. So-called "vampire devices" - those that are not switched off when not in use - could be costing some households hundreds more pounds each year, according to energy expert Rob Bohm.
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A quick look around a typical home showed five appliances that, if switched off, would save a huge £290 over twelve months, according to money.co.uk. It is by no means an exhaustive list, suggesting further savings could be made. Here are the five appliances he discussed:
- Hi-Fi system on standby - £73 a year
- Sky box on standby - £73 a year
- Laptop charger not in use - £60 a year
- TV on standby- £10 a year
- Printer on standby - £10 a year
Last year, British Gas put the national cost of vampire electricity at £2.2 billion. When next month's price rise is factored in, that will rise to an estimated £3.3 billion. Marc Robson, a smart energy expert from British Gas said the "main culprits" are TVs and games consoles on standby, and laptops and phones left on charge.
He said: "Our research last year [before the Ofgem price cap rises] showed that households could save an average £110 on electricity bills by switching these items off at the mains. Across the country, people are unnecessarily overcharging their mobile phones and laptops. The charger will still pull power from the mains even if the phone or laptop is fully charged.
"As soon as your device is fully charged, get into the habit of unplugging it. Not only will this save energy, it also prolongs battery life. It could also save you about £60 a year on your energy bills."
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