UK households could save an average of £147 per year by switching off so-called vampire devices, according to research from British Gas, as the energy price cap rises to a three-year high. Regulator Ofgem raised its price cap by 4% last month, adding £60 annually — or £5 monthly — to the average dual-fuel bill, bringing it to £1,723 for the year.
Price cap rise explained
The increase reflects elevated wholesale gas prices resulting from the continuing conflict in the Middle East, with unstable global markets remaining the primary driver of price fluctuations. The latest cap is calculated using Ofgem's revised definition of a typical consumer, which took effect from July to account for declining household energy consumption. Under its previous calculations, it would equate to £1,941 annually, up from the current £1,862.
The increased October cap, which will remain in place for three months, will take effect as households begin to use their heating more frequently, pushing bills higher. Analysts Cornwall Insight have projected a further 9% rise to the price cap in the New Year.
Which devices cost the most
Energy experts have highlighted the silent household appliances that should be switched off to achieve significant reductions on energy bills. John Kirkman, a sales consultant at energy price comparison website Love Energy Savings, noted that it's all too easy to leave work-related items such as laptops, monitors, printers and chargers on standby when not in use. "They all consume electricity," he warned. "Devices left on standby can continue to draw power even when they aren't actively being used, so turning equipment off completely at the end of the working day can help reduce wasted energy."
Brian Horn, Senior Insight and Analytics consultant at the EST, said there were practical things consumers could do. "If something doesn't need to be on, then you should switch it off at the wall or unplug it," he said. "Everything else, just try and make it as easy as possible to turn it off." He suggested plugging devices into one extension lead so they can be switched off together.
Although laptops, televisions, and games consoles use relatively modest amounts individually, consumer electronics represent roughly 6% of an energy bill. Set-top boxes and recorders left on standby can add around €27 per device annually to electricity bills. A set-top box from Sky or Virgin Media can cost £23.10, British Gas said, and switching devices off standby could save as much as £45.
Standby costs and savings
Televisions left on standby cost households around €28 per TV per year, while microwaves are among the appliances most likely to "eat up electricity" when left on standby, according to the Energy Saving Trust. On average, households leave their microwaves on standby for approximately 23 hours daily, adding around £16.37 to annual bills. A typical electric shower left plugged in or on standby can draw a small amount of phantom power, costing roughly £11.80 a year according to data from British Gas.
Energy expert Marc Robson from British Gas recommends switching off appliances when they're not being used, such as overnight, and avoiding leaving them plugged in unnecessarily. "At night, or when not in use, try switching off devices at the mains rather than switching to standby, as even the standby light on a television uses energy," he said. "Try not to overcharge your mobile phone and laptop unnecessarily. As soon as your device is charged, try and get into the habit of unplugging it." He also suggested using extension leads that can be switched off at night or smart plugs, and noted that a smart meter's in-home display can help identify how much energy is used at different times of the day.
British Gas data lists the following annual standby costs for common appliances: television £30.60, set-top box £25.00, wifi router £32.60, microwave £21.70, games console £16.10, computer £14.80, shower £11.80, smart speakers/smart home devices £13.00, dishwasher £9.10, tumble dryer £6.30, washing machine £6.30, printer £5.00, and mobile device charger £1.70.
