TV’s Steph McGovern on the 6 money-saving changes you can make to your weekly routine

From Sunday roasts to takeaway curries, you might think Britons are fond of routine.

Research conducted by Smart Energy GB revealed that we are, in fact, a country that readily changes for a beneficial outcome.

As energy costs continue to be high, over six in ten people in the UK are modifying their daily routines to be more flexible and save money, with a significant number, over half, focusing specifically on cutting their energy usage.

Approximately four in ten Britons have adjusted their daily routines over the past twelve months. A notable quarter of those surveyed feel that the hour of day influences how they perform high energy-using activities, and a significant 70 per cent have remodelled their meal planning, incorporating more batch cooking into their routines.

It's no surprise that the majority of people do this in order to save money and reduce their energy usage. Additionally, many people discovered that altering their daily routines was not only cost-effective, but it also allowed them to use their time more productively.

Playing smart

Popular TV presenter and consumer finance specialist Steph McGovern has teamed up with Smart Energy GB to investigate the benefits of saving energy and money at home, and to demonstrate just how straightforward it can be.

Flexible energy rebate plans are tailored to fit our variable timetables and can help cut down on energy costs by reducing our bills. These adaptable schemes are user-friendly, particularly for homes with a smart meter, and are designed to incentivise customers for consumption at various times of the day.

Many utility companies provide these deals, which aim to persuade households to switch their energy usage away from times when power demand is highest. They often do this by offering incentives for using less energy during the periods of very high demand, or by providing cheaper electricity during times of lower demand.

If you have a smart meter fitted, it is clear that there will be financial savings, with many homeowners believing they are saving up to £140 per year.

‘I consistently strive to ensure my advice helps individuals maximise their earnings and it’s a consideration I extend to my personal financial management as well,’ said Steph.

‘It’s simple to put off chores like getting a smart meter, but it’s evident that opening up access to reward schemes brings a wealth of possibilities for making savings.’

Six ways to save

If you're aiming to join the flexible Brits who are changing their daily routines to save on energy costs, here are some essential modifications that Steph recommends to help you hold onto more of your hard-earned cash in your bank account.

Here is the paraphrased text:
1. Fit a smart meter

Your energy meter display keeps track of the electricity your household is using in near-real time. Taking a look at it regularly really isn't a chore: it's simple, quick and helps you keep tabs on your energy consumption and stay in control of your energy bills.

2. Become a part of our loyalty programme to receive exclusive offers and earn points for every transaction made with us.

With a smart meter, you might be eligible to join a reward scheme run by your energy provider, which could lead to additional discounts. They'll let you know when you can participate, allowing you to bring forward tasks that use a lot of energy to a more suitable time.

Just over eight in every ten people (87 per cent) taking part in an energy reward scheme claim they're saving money on their energy bills.

3. Batch cook

Executing multiple appliances at once can consume a substantial amount of power, however by churning out large quantities of food in a single baking session, you can cut down on energy usage.

4. Time your laundry

Most modern washing machines come with built-in time settings. If you join an energy reward scheme, you can simply load the machine and schedule it to run during the periods when off-peak, cheaper energy tariffs are available.

Indeed, roughly half of Britons claim they are open to being more flexible when it comes to the timing of doing their laundry.

5. Choose appliances with higher energy ratings

It could be high time for an upgrade to a more modern device. Outdated items are typically not the most energy-efficient and consume a lot of power. When an old appliance has reached the end of its lifespan, look at the energy efficiency rating of any potential replacements and opt for the one rated as the most efficient. The initial investment will eventually be offset by the savings on your energy bills.

6. Don't forget to adjust your heating settings

It's a bit astonishing how quikly the little things can mount up! Be sure to lower the heating or switch it off when you are away from home.

Timer devices can be of assistance or, if you have a smart home system, you can easily control your heating, lighting and appliances from anywhere at your convenience.

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A survey commissioned by OnePoll of 2,000 UK adults was carried out in December 2024.

Eligibility criteria may differ. Customer participation is necessary.

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