Louise Minchin, a consumer expert on BBC Morning Live, has warned viewers against using plug-in energy-saving devices that claim to cut household electricity bills by up to £130 a month. Speaking on Tuesday's (October 6) programme, she said: "The simple answer is please do not use it. I'd advise you not to use it."
Price cap rise prompts gadget warning
The warning comes as Ofgem confirmed the energy price cap for October 1 to December 31, 2026, will rise to £1,723 a year - a 4% increase on the previous cap period. The programme, hosted by Helen Skelton and OJ Borg, was broadcast live from Manchester, with Helen saying: "With the threat of the highest household bills for four years, you might be tempted to buy gadgets" that will save you money.
OJ asked Louise: "Are they too good to be true?" Louise replied: "Yes, I'm afraid they are."
Claims 'ramped up' on sales pages
Louise explained that a viewer had received an email promoting a plug-in energy-saving device, but said the message was "vague" about what it actually does. She added that while it suggests it will make your home more energy-conscious, the claims are "ramped up" once you click through to the sales page.
According to Louise, the claims say that the device costs less than £25 and can "significantly reduce household energy costs". It also claims that households could save up to £130 a month on their electricity bill and customers who are not satisfied with the results can get their money back.
Addressing these claims, Louise said: "Now that is an enormous saving - if it were true - especially when we consider that the average UK monthly electricity bill is £139 a month."
Which? tests found 'no evidence they work'
Louise noted that consumer champions Which? "previously tested eight of these devices and none of them did what they said. None of them could reduce household electricity bills". She showed an example of a device, but admitted: "We haven't actually independently tested this particular device. But all those things that I've talked about - the sales and advertising - there's no evidence to substantiate the claim that it could save you £130 a month."
In an article by Which? written on May 12, 2025, it said: "Dangerous 'energy-saving' plugs are still widely available through online marketplaces at a time when new laws are being discussed to help prevent the sale of unsafe products, a Which? investigation has found." The plug-in devices falsely claim to save you money on your electricity bill by 'stabilising' voltage and 'balancing' electric current to 'optimise' the performance of household appliances. In truth, they do nothing of the sort. Yet despite previous investigations by Which?, and a series of government recalls for similar-looking devices, they're still widely available.
It tested "eight devices" and "found no evidence that they work. Worse, they are so poorly constructed they fail to meet basic electrical safety standards, are potentially dangerous and illegal to sell in the UK". It added: "The platforms removed the listings we reported after being contacted by Which?, but despite repeatedly claiming customer safety is a top priority, many identical-looking devices were still available weeks later."
Advice for buyers
While not all energy-saving devices are risky, Louise urged people to stay alert - and not to trust a review simply because it appears to feature a celebrity endorsement. Louise also advised anyone who has bought one to keep the receipt, ask for a refund and avoid using the device.
When asked what people should do if they have one plugged in at home, Louise said: "The simple answer is please do not use it. I'd advise you not to use it." She added: "Switch it off at the socket, unplug it if it's safe to do so, don't open it, don't try and repair it yourself. I would keep your receipt, keep the advert and all the messages and then contact the seller or marketplace and say you would like a refund."
She concluded: "Report it as a safety concern and if you notice unexpected payments after buying something like that, do get in contact with your bank immediately."
