British households are being urged to rethink their energy habits as the cost of living crisis deepens, with potential savings of up to £360 a year just by switching off high-consumption appliances. Major energy suppliers such as British Gas, OVO, EDF, E.ON and Octopus are encouraging their customers to adopt smarter usage strategies in the face of soaring bills.
The Smart Approach to Energy Savings
Luke Denley, 42, has turned frugality into an art form, keeping a sharp eye on his energy usage with a smart meter. His methods offer a glimpse into how simple adjustments can result in substantial financial relief.
“I’ve always kept an eye on my energy bill,” he said, “but when it started to creep up with the cost-of-living crisis and war in Ukraine, I was paying too much.”
For Luke and his wife, the solution lay in targeted energy awareness:
- Identifying high-energy devices by observing their impact on the smart meter when switched on or off.
- Switching off unnecessary appliances, such as a router extender that used “a lot more energy than I thought.”
Luke’s mantra is clear: “Be wise with what you use.”
| Device | Energy Observation | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Extender | High consumption when left on | Switched off when unused |
| Heated Airer | Moderate usage, manageable impact | Continued use as needed |
| Dishwasher, Washing Machine, Tumble Dryer | High impact when used at peak times | Programmed for off-peak hours |
Embracing Energy Savings for a Brighter Future
Luke has embraced Octopus Energy’s saving sessions, which incentivise customers to reduce their energy use during peak periods. “In the energy saving sessions, everything goes off, and I see how much I can save that way,” he explained.
Participants receive email invites to these sessions and later learn how much they saved. For Luke, these small changes provide tangible results. “We spend the extra money on Christmas, birthdays, and meals out. We try to enjoy life with the extra money.”
Maximizing Efficiency Without Sacrificing Convenience
Luke’s approach challenges the assumption that convenience must come at the expense of efficiency. By pre-programming appliances like the dishwasher, oven, and tumble dryer to run overnight, he avoids the financial strain of peak-hour energy use.
“I use as much energy as I can and everything goes on,” he said, describing how he coordinates household tasks for maximum efficiency.
Empowering Households to Take Charge of Energy Consumption
Luke’s journey is a wake-up call for households across the UK to take control of their energy usage. As energy companies like Octopus offer practical incentives, the opportunity to reduce financial stress is within reach for many.
By switching off, programming wisely, and rethinking habits, families can save not just money, but also valuable resources—a necessity in today’s volatile energy market.
