Brits urged to unplug two items right now to reduce energy bills 'significantly'

Daily Mirror

25-07-2025

As energy costs remain a concern for many households, experts have identified two of the 'worst' appliances to leave on standby. Brits have been urged to take action
UK households are being advised to unplug two specific items immediately to make a "significant" dent in their energy bills. Energy specialists have pinpointed two of the 'worst' gadgets for standby consumption, suggesting that turning them off could lead to savings of up to £50 per year.
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The public is now being urged to take an easy action that could result in substantial reductions in their home energy expenses. Grant Store's experts have issued a warning about two prevalent appliances – televisions and satellite TV boxes – which use a "surprising amount" of electricity even when not actively in use.
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As energy prices continue to be a pressing issue for many, especially those on fixed incomes, this advice is particularly timely, reports the Manchester Evening News.
With autumn on the horizon, fully powering down these devices instead of leaving them on standby could offer some welcome financial relief. "Televisions are among the worst household culprits for standby energy consumption," the Grant Store energy experts point out.
They note that TVs can still consume up to 20 watts of power when not in use, potentially adding approximately £30 to your annual energy bill for something that isn't even switched on. Satellite TV boxes are another device that often goes unnoticed for its continuous power usage when not completely turned off.
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Set-top boxes from providers like Sky or Virgin Media, if left on standby, can tack on an extra £20 to your yearly energy costs, according to the specialists.
"The issue with set-top boxes is that many people assume they need to be left on to record or update, but that's rarely necessary unless you're actively using those functions," the team at Grant Store explain.
"If you're not watching TV, turn both the box and the television off at the plug. It's a simple habit that could save households money and cut unnecessary energy waste."
As the cost of living continues to squeeze households, particularly pensioners and vulnerable individuals, energy-saving tips like these are becoming increasingly popular due to their simplicity and effectiveness.
Experts also suggest examining device settings to minimise standby consumption, such as enabling eco modes or automatic power-down features.
"With energy prices remaining high, these small changes can accumulate over time. They're particularly beneficial for those who might not realise how much energy is being drained from devices they're not even using," conclude the experts at Grant Store.