A revealing new study has shown the financial reality of leaving household electrical appliances, such as computers and televisions, on standby.
The investigation was carried out by the Department for Energy and Climate change, and aimed to look into UK domestic energy consumption.
The study discovered that energy consumption from appliances on standby mode could potentially cost the UK over £1billion in electricity bills each year.
This is the first study carried out in the UK that measures electricity consumption in real time using monitors placed in active households. The findings reveal that households across the country are using between nine and sixteen percent of their domestic power demand just on leaving appliances on standby. This means that average annual electricity bills could go up by £86.
According to the research, single-person homes use nearly as much, and sometimes more, electricity than average families when using specific appliances.
The survey highlighted that power consumption is a lot higher than previously expected, with the average household having the telly on for six hours every day, an hour more than estimated previously. This alone adds an additional £205 million to the nation's electricity bill every year.
Environment Minister Lord Taylor of Holbeach had this to say: "As this survey shows we are using a lot more energy than previously thought."
"It is hoped that the results of the study will go some way to helping consumers to understand and cut down on consumption where possible,
"We can all do simple things like switching off our televisions, computers and other home electronics and save up to £85 on electricity bills each year."
The Energy and Climate Change Minister, Greg Barker, added: "Using energy more wisely in our homes will not only cut carbon but will also help save money on bills. But first we need to really understand how we use this energy in order to become more energy wise,"
"This report provides vital insights into what is happening on the ground, highlighting the need for more energy-efficient household electrical appliances and indicating which appliances contribute most to electricity demand at peak times."
