Financial guru Martin Lewis has shared his top tips on what time of day people should be using their energy-guzzling appliances.
The MoneySavingExpert advice has come as the National Grid warns of a UK-wide blackout planned for this winter. In the event of a possible gas shortage, UK households could be facing three-hour power cuts in an attempt to ration the supply.
The Daily Record reports that the money expert shared his verdict on the news, and gave people advice on the correct times to use certain appliances to save money during peak times.
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Martin took to social media to answer the question: "When is best to use high energy appliances such as tumble dryers?". The finance guru explained how some households might be on time-of-use tariffs, which makes washing and drying clothes cheaper after 9pm.
Those without this type of tariff don't need to do this, as there's no difference in price between day and night. Martin said: "Most don't have time-of-use tariffs so there's no price difference.
"If you do, night's cheaper. Yet peak use is 4pm to 9pm so for UK's energy security, not then is better."
Martin also shared some money-saving advice for those with solar appliances. He added: "If [you have] UV solar panels, use appliances in daylight hours."
Washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers are examples of high energy appliances and make up 14 per cent of a typical energy bill, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
The amount of power needed to heat the water that they use drives up energy usage. However, if you're on a time-of-use tariff, you'll be charged different amounts for different types of energy depending on the time of day.
Those on these tariffs will pay half the price to use the appliances outwith the 4pm to 9pm peak hours. The blackout warnings mean that people will also be paid to use electricity during off-peak times through a new scheme.
System operators said an "unlikely" shortage of gas could result in families suffering planned three-hour power cuts to protect energy supplies.
This is the worst-case scenario out of a possible three that the National Grid has outlined as part of a new report. On the topic of washing machines, Martin had advice for those looking to reduce their energy bills.
He said: "Try to do one fewer load of washing a week and make sure you fill up the machine each time. "No more washing just one shirt or dress that you need for a big night out.
"The savings aren't huge, around £19 a year for modern machines, but can be much more with old ones.
"You could also try doing your washing on a colder setting. By washing your clothes at 30 degrees, you could save £54 a year, leading to a £73 overall saving.
"You could also try doing your washing on a colder setting. By washing your clothes at 30 degrees, you could save £54 a year, leading to a £73 overall saving."
Also, Martin advised those with dishwashers to ensure it is completely loaded before turning it on. He concluded: "If you wait till it's full, you can manage one less run of the machine a week.
"According to the Energy Saving Trust, reducing your dishwasher use by one run a week could save £27 annually."
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