Millions of British households are being warned about “vampire devices” adding over £100 a year to bills, just as households brace for a price cap increase.
Energy experts have shared how customers of all major suppliers, including British Gas, OVO, EDF and Octopus, can save some extra cash before the six per cent increase in bills.
Energy regulator Ofgem has confirmed the average dual fuel bill for those not on fixed deals will increase from £1,738 to £1,849 per year on April 1. This represents a monthly increase of £9.25 for typical households.
The April rise marks the third consecutive quarterly increase in energy prices. Around 22 million households on standard variable tariffs will be affected by the change.
The average bill will now be £159 higher than this time last year, though still £531 lower than during the peak of the energy crisis in early 2023.
As energy costs continue to rise, experts are warning about the hidden drain of so-called ‘vampire devices’ in our homes. These are electronics that continue to consume electricity even when they appear to be switched off.
British Gas customers can save some extra cash ahead of the price cap raise
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According to energy expert Gordon Wallis, energy expert at Your NRG, these devices can silently add significant amounts to annual bills if left on standby.
The combined cost of these energy-draining appliances can reach up to £105 per year for the average household.
With the April price increase looming, identifying and addressing these power-hungry devices has become increasingly important for budget-conscious consumers.
Chargers and adapters for phones and laptops can add between £5 and £10 to annual bills when left plugged in but not in use.
Entertainment systems, including televisions, gaming consoles and set-top boxes, are major culprits, potentially costing £10 to £20 yearly in standby mode.
The energy price cap rose in January
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Desktop computers and peripherals are among the worst offenders, with potential savings of £20 to £50 annually by turning them off completely.
Kitchen appliances like microwaves, coffee makers and toasters can waste between £5 and £15 per year when left plugged in unnecessarily. Even Wi-Fi routers, though using relatively little power, can add £5 to £10 to annual bills if left on during extended absences.
These seemingly small amounts accumulate significantly across multiple devices throughout the year.
However, British Gas, OVO, EDF and Octopus customers can take simple steps to combat these rising energy costs.
Using smart power strips allows multiple devices to be switched off completely with one action, helping to reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
Unplugging the wi-fi router could save around £5 to £10 a year
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Developing the habit of unplugging chargers when they are not actively in use can also prevent wasted electricity. Entertainment systems should be fully powered down rather than left on standby mode, while computers and monitors should be shut down completely when not in use for extended periods.
Additionally, kitchen appliances like microwaves with digital displays can be unplugged between uses to further cut down on energy costs. Britons can also consider turning off Wi-Fi routers overnight or when away from home for extended periods.
These small changes require minimal effort but can collectively save households significant amounts.
With the April price cap increase approaching, targeting these vampire devices offers a practical way to offset some of the £111 annual increase.
The savings could be particularly valuable during what some are calling ‘awful April’ for consumer costs.
