Football fans staying up for late-night matches this summer could collectively save money on their energy bills, experts say. E.ON Next has called up former England stars Jermain Defoe, Ray Parlour, and Toni Duggan to encourage people to save on electricity costs by doing their washing while watching late-night fixtures.
Watch and Wash Campaign
The campaign, named Watch and Wash, comes as energy expert Dr Jan Rosenow, Professor of Energy at Oxford University, reveals that switching to a time of use tariff that offers lower electricity prices during off-peak hours could help the nation collectively save more than £93 million on electricity bills this summer. Washing machines account for 14% of household bills, making laundry a key area for savings.
Football-Themed Challenges
To spread the word, the trio of England legends got back in their training kit and took part in a series of football-themed laundry challenges. Jermain Defoe commented: "I've scored a few penalties in my time, but hitting a washing machine from the spot is a different challenge entirely. Jokes aside, if you're staying up for the late kick-offs this summer, make it count. Stick a wash on during the game and you could be saving money at the same time. Simple as that."
Time of Use Tariff
Watch and Wash forms part of E.ON Next's mission to help customers manage their energy use through its Next Smart Saver tariff. This time of use tariff offers cheaper electricity during off-peak hours (5am-4pm, 7pm-2am) and super off-peak hours (2am-5am). Julian Lennertz, Chief Commercial Officer at E.ON Next, said: "Football has a unique ability to get the nation to switch its routines according to matches – and this summer is no exception. Millions are set to be awake for nighttime games, unaware that it's also one of the cheapest times to use electricity. Watch and Wash isn't about asking people to change what they do, but showing people how to benefit more from what they're already doing. With our Next Smart Saver tariff, small shifts could add up to big savings, not just over the summer but year-round."
Nearly two-thirds (64%) of fans expect their sleep and routines to be disrupted, with an average loss of four hours of sleep per night. However, by doing laundry during matches, fans can turn a disruption into a financial win.
