From today, July 1, households across the UK face a 13% increase in the energy price cap, as confirmed by industry regulator Ofgem. The rise is driven by higher wholesale gas prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. While electricity prices will increase by around 5%, gas prices will surge by 24%, making energy efficiency crucial.
Vampire Appliances Drain Energy and Money
British Gas has previously highlighted that so-called 'vampire appliances' can account for up to 23% of an average British home's energy use. These devices consume power even when not in active use, silently driving up bills. However, a simple device can help mitigate this waste.
The Wiz Wi-Fi Smart Plug, available at Argos for £17.99, can transform any standard socket into a smart socket, enabling easier control of energy-hungry devices. With a cashback deal from TopCashback, new customers to both platforms can get the plug for as little as £2.54 after cashback. Existing Argos customers who are new to TopCashback can obtain it for £2.84 after cashback.
Voice Control and Remote Access
The Wiz Wi-Fi Smart Plug supports voice control via Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, and can be operated through a smartphone app. Users can turn devices on or off remotely, even when away from home, eliminating vampire energy drain. Schedules can also be set for automatic shut-off.
Alternative options include the Oblinple Smart Plug, reduced on Amazon from £29.99 to £27.99 (pack of four), and the Tapo P100 Smart Plug set, down from £39.99 to £29.99. Both offer similar voice and smartphone control.
Customer Reviews Praise Ease and Versatility
The Wiz Wi-Fi Smart Plug has earned 4.5 stars on Argos. One customer wrote: 'Bought this for our slow cooker so that we can have it turn on whilst we are at work. Scheduling function works as intended and was easy to setup in the wiz app.' Another noted: 'Fantastic smart plug. Incredibly easy to set up. Can be used within the Wiz app or works seamlessly with Google assistant and Google home. I can even turn this off and on when I'm not at home!'
A third reviewer said: 'These wiz plugs are so versatile, just download the Wiz app and away you go, you can set to come on and off in a variable number of ways - just create your own program to suit your needs. A lot of tech for very little money.' A fourth added: 'Bought this plug to use in conjunction with a fan. It was very easy to setup using the included app and was able to be added to Alexa with no issues. Its a tidy little unit and works perfectly.'
Another user commented: 'I bought this item a couple of weeks ago and am happy with it, having remote access to start charging devices at home.' A sixth said: 'Bought this product to use as a security aid, works brilliantly, all controlled via my mobile phone. Can use manually as well as inputting a preset time. i.e., lights to come on and go off. Would recommend to family and friends.'
One less satisfied customer noted: 'It took me a little while to set up, as I had never done this type of thing before. Got it working okay, eventually. Works fine, just how I wanted it to - controls light on / off.' Another added: 'Took a while for the Bluetooth to connect but does the job it's meant to.'
How to Get the Wiz Wi-Fi Smart Plug for £2.54 via TopCashback
1. Sign up to TopCashback here.
2. Search for Argos and click 'Get Cashback Now'.
3. Shop and checkout as usual.
4. Cashback will track and appear in the TopCashback account within seven working days of purchase.
