5th September 2026
With household budgets still under pressure, making a few simple changes around the home could help reduce the amount of electricity being wasted every day.
One of the easiest places to start is with appliances and electronic devices that are left switched on or sitting in standby mode when they are not being used.
While leaving a television, games console or kitchen appliance on standby might seem insignificant, the Energy Saving Trust says households could save around £45 a year in Great Britain simply by switching appliances off standby.
That may not sound like a huge amount on its own, but combining several small changes can make a noticeable difference over the course of a year.
Five appliances and devices worth switching off
1. Television and entertainment equipment
Modern TVs, streaming boxes and games consoles can remain in standby for long periods when nobody is using them.
Rather than leaving everything on standby overnight, consider switching the equipment off completely when you have finished watching television or playing games.
A smart plug or switched extension lead can also make it easier to turn several devices off at once.
However, check the manufacturer's instructions first. Some equipment may need to remain powered to download updates or record scheduled programmes.
2. Games consoles
Games consoles can use electricity even when you are not actively playing.
If you regularly leave a console in standby for hours or days at a time, switching it off completely when it is not required can help reduce unnecessary electricity consumption.
This is particularly worth considering for households with several consoles or other gaming equipment connected to the television.
3. Microwaves and other kitchen appliances
Some kitchen appliances spend most of their time doing nothing but remain connected to the electricity supply.
Microwaves, coffee machines and other countertop appliances can often be switched off at the plug when they are not needed.
The Energy Saving Trust specifically recommends switching off appliances such as microwaves, washing machines and dishwashers when they are not being used.
You don't necessarily need to unplug every appliance after every use. Instead, concentrate on devices that spend long periods unused.
4. Computers, monitors and printers
Home offices can contain several devices that remain powered throughout the day.
If you have finished working, switch off your computer and monitor rather than leaving them running overnight.
The same applies to printers, speakers and other office equipment that doesn't need to remain powered.
Laptops generally use considerably less electricity than desktop computers, according to the Energy Saving Trust, so choosing the right equipment can also make a difference when replacing old technology.
5. Chargers and smaller electronics
Phone and tablet chargers don't necessarily need to remain plugged in once the device has finished charging.
Getting into the habit of unplugging chargers and other small electronics when they are no longer required is a simple way of reducing unnecessary electricity use and keeping cables and plugs from cluttering up your home.
The savings from one charger will be tiny, but households often have several devices charging or connected around the home.
Don't unplug everything
Switching appliances off at the wall can be useful, but there are some devices that should remain switched on.
Fridges and freezers, for example, need a continuous electricity supply to keep food at a safe temperature.
You should also check the manufacturer's instructions before disconnecting appliances or equipment that may need to remain powered.
The Energy Saving Trust advises that some satellite and digital TV recorders may need to stay plugged in so they can record programmes, while fridges and freezers should remain on.
The kitchen is another place to save electricity
Unplugging appliances isn't the only way to reduce electricity use.
The way you use everyday appliances can also have an impact.
If you're making a cup of tea or coffee, avoid filling the kettle with more water than you need. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that doing this could save around £10 a year in Great Britain.
Washing clothes at lower temperatures can also help. Washing at 30°C and reducing the number of loads can cut energy use, while filling the dishwasher before running it avoids using electricity for partly empty loads.
And when the weather allows, drying clothes outside instead of using a tumble dryer can make a particularly noticeable difference. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that drying clothes outside rather than using a tumble dryer can save around £50 a year in Great Britain, under its stated assumptions.
Don't forget the lights
Leaving lights switched on in empty rooms is another small but avoidable expense.
Simply switching lights off when you leave a room could save around £7 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Replacing older halogen bulbs with LEDs can provide further savings.
It is a small change, but one that requires no investment and can quickly become a household habit.
Small changes can add up
There isn't one magic appliance that will suddenly transform your electricity bill.
Instead, the biggest benefit is likely to come from making several small changes at the same time.
Switch off devices rather than leaving them on standby, only boil the water you need, run full loads of washing, avoid unnecessary tumble-drying and remember to turn off lights in empty rooms.
The Energy Saving Trust says its collection of everyday energy-saving measures could save an average household in Great Britain up to £313 a year, although the actual saving will depend on the property, appliances and how much energy a household uses.
Ofgem similarly notes that the amount households can save depends on factors including the type of property, the appliances and systems installed, and how those appliances are used.