Phantom loads add up fast
Utility Warehouse research found 54% of Brits do not realise their appliances keep drawing power on standby. The same studies show phantom energy can account for up to 23% of an electricity bill, with some devices costing households as much as £17 a year. We see this as one of the easier leaks to plug without turning the heating down.
Three devices to check first
- Set-top boxes can pull 30 watts in standby, the biggest single culprit listed.
- Games consoles in rest mode keep downloading and charging controllers.
- Smart speakers such as Amazon Echo or Google Nest stay connected 24/7 and add up to £5.99 per device annually.
Practical steps that actually work
David Walter, Chief Commercial Officer at Utility Warehouse, said: “When it comes to keeping energy bills in check, it’s easy to focus on the big things like heating and lights, but the little things can add up too. The key is understanding what your appliances are using and when. Smart meters can help households keep an eye on their energy consumption, while simple changes to standby settings can help reduce unnecessary usage.”
A smart meter shows real-time use so you can spot spikes. Smart plugs let you measure individual devices and switch them off remotely. Fridges, routers and security systems still need to stay plugged in, but everything else can usually be turned off at the wall when not needed.
For more ways to cut your energy spend this winter, compare current tariffs on our gas and electricity page.
