A simple switch to energy saving fairy lights for your tree and outdoor decorations could knock a ‘staggering £20’ off electricity bill during the festive period.
According to research carried out by electricity supplier Good Energy, people are needlessly wasting electricity and cash at Christmas time. Figures show that 1 in 3 Brits (32%) still don’t use energy efficient fairy lights whilst a sizeable 41% also confessed to leaving their lights on for more than six hours a day over the festive season.
The renewable energy company has calculated that replacing old, incandescent fairy lights with LEDs could save people up to £20 on electricity bills.
Juliet Davenport OBE, founder and Chief Executive of Good Energy, said: “It’s surprising how much electricity Christmas lights use up. Switching to LED lights, and being more careful about how long you leave them on for, will save you money – and is good for the environment too.”
And for Christmas Day itself, Good Energy has also come up with following five top-tips for an energy-saving dinner:
- Roast your vegetables alongside your turkey and potatoes instead of boiling unnecessarily on the hob.
- Only cook the right amount of food that you need. Cooking excessive amounts means much more energy is wasted.
- Put lids on pans when boiling to help keep the heat contained.
- Defrost your freezer before Christmas. It will run more efficiently and create space for any leftovers.
- Make items like mince pies in advance and cook them when using the oven for something else.
Pixie Energy is an incubator and a facilitator of strategic research and project work, focusing on energy regulation, policy and markets at the local and national level. Find out more about Pixie Energy