How to use less electricityMoney-saving tips

Our wind turbine used more energy than it generated

Using less energy isn't just greener – it will save you money! The Energy Saving Trust estimates the average household could save up to £250 annually by putting energy saving measures into place.

How much money can I save?

Every watt you save goes towards knocking money off your bill. Energy prices vary depending on your tariff and supplier, but as a general rule, 100W equates to around a penny.

This may not sound much, but when you realise a watt is the energy being drawn in any given instant, you'll see how the cost of running, say a 100W light bulb, can soon add up.

Get the best deal

To make sure you're paying the best price for the energy you use, use our switching site to get cheaper gas and cheaper electricity.

• Saving The average annual saving using Which? Switch is £263.

Make your own electricity

Solar power can generate electricity or, for a much lower initial outlay, just help you heat water, slashing your water heating bill in half.

Small domestic turbines can provide up to 35% of an average home’s electricity needs, with shorter payback periods than solar panels. 

• Saving Up to 35% – that's £144 off the average nPower annual electricity bill of £414.

Unplug gadget chargers

If a charger feels warm when it's plugged in without being attached to a device, it's still converting energy. So unplug chargers when you're not using them to save electricity and money.

• Saving £1.50 per year. It costs less than a penny to charge a phone for eight hours, but unplugging when not in use is one of those changes that can make a big environmental impact if everyone does it. 

Say bye to standby

Low energy light-bulb can last 10 years

We’ve covered standby in some detail (see the Standby and electricity page). But here’s another fact: a computer monitor left on standby can cost you £30 a year.

Switch lights off in rooms that aren't being used.

Change traditional tungsten light bulbs to low-energy bulbs. The initial cost of bulbs may be higher but the pay back time is short and the bulbs can last ten years or more compared to an average of one year for a traditional bulb.

• Saving Each bulb can reduce your electricity bill by up to £10 per year.