Energy bills are set to rise by £221 a year from today as Ofgem raises its price cap by 13%, amounting to an additional £18 per month for the average household. In response, a compact gadget is gaining attention for its potential to help households cut costs.
TP-Link Tapo P105 Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug at Argos
The TP-Link Tapo P105 Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug, available from Argos for £7.99, allows users to control electronics from anywhere using a smartphone or tablet. The product has earned a 4.8-star rating from more than 500 reviews, with 97% of customers recommending it.
According to the Argos product description, the plug enables users to turn devices on/off, check status, create schedules, and set timers via the Tapo app. It also features an Away Mode that automatically turns lights on and off at selected times to simulate occupancy, helping to conserve energy and reduce bills.
How the Smart Plug Works
The smart plug connects over Wi-Fi and is compatible with Android and iOS devices. It can also be controlled through voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Suitable for indoor use, it supports appliances up to 2990W. By scheduling devices to run only when needed, users can prevent unnecessary electricity use.
One shopper wrote in an Argos review: "Very easy to connect to my wi-fi and add to the app on my phone and tablet. Simple to set up timings to switch on and off, on a schedule." Another said: "This is the first time I have bought one of these and it is brilliant, easy to install. Recommend 100%."
Additional Energy-Saving Options
Amazon offers a Smart Energy Saving Device for £10.99, designed to stabilize voltage and balance current for more efficient appliance operation. Argos also sells the Energenie Saving Power Meter for £20, which plugs into a socket to show exact energy usage of connected appliances.
However, one negative review noted issues with instructions: "They may well be a great item, but, as yet, I have not been able to programme the unit. The instructions are extremely thin on the ground."
