Unplug it and Save Millions

Yes, it’s that time of the year again! Energy consumption is due to rise today as clocks go back (thank you, Scotland!!!). To mark the occasion Energenie, the manufacturer of energy saving devices, has published the results of a study it had recently commissioned. It shows that:

• A third of Brits leave their mobile phones charger plugged in when not charging;
• A third of people leave their laptop charger plugged in when not charging;
• 38% cannot be bothered to turn off the lights when leaving the room;
• 43% will leave their TVs, DVDs and game consoles on standby wasting enormous amounts of energy (according to my estimation, the whole “stand-by” culture wastes 7TWh of electricity per year out of 401TWh produced in total);
• A quarter leave the heating on when not in the house.

22% of respondents blame their spouse or partner for leaving the lights on and 21% blame their kids as reasons why energy saving advice is not being heeded. Two out of five households mentioned home security as the reason for leaving lights and appliances on to make the house look occupied whilst they’re out. LOL, this tactic doesn’t work any more because the crooks are much cleverer now. Get a life or get a dog 🙂

Alan J. Tadd, managing director, Energenie said: “Many people don’t realise that by doing simple things such as turning your TV or DVD player off standby or unplugging your mobile phone charger when not in use can actually make a significant dent in your electricity bill.”

By the way, if you want to single out the worst energy consuming devices in your household, a consumption meter will come handy. You can win one by taking part in the competition. It is on till the end of November 2010.