POWERING our homes does not have to cost the Earth.
Today sees Earth Hour, when the World Wildlife Fund encourages us to leave non-essential lights switched off from 8.30pm until 9.30pm as a symbol of our intent to save the planet.
But cutting back on electricity and gas use in the home also saves money.
New research by British Gas has revealed that leaving devices on standby is costing households on average £75 per year.
Here, I highlight some of the culprits . . . 
NOT SO SMART: Got yourself a smart speaker of some sort? While there are some great deals to be had at the moment, be aware that most are left on standby for hours on end each day and night, meaning you are also forking out money all that time. Treat yours like a normal phone speaker and flick the switch when not in use.
Annual saving: £4.58
GAME OVER: Video game PlayStations, Xboxes and the like are all sneaky purse-emptying devices in so many ways. But we all tend to leave them ticking over for ages when not in use. Switch them off and you could save some money to put toward a fun new game. A smart play.
Annual saving: £6.14
WAVE THE COST: It was a shock to me to find out that the humble microwave is a serious drain on power, which is crazy when we are not exactly using it 24/7. Start switching it off at the wall when done heating up your food or drink, then on again when it is needed, and you will cook up a nice little saving.
Annual saving: £8.42
WATCH OUT: The worst culprit? Your digital TV box and the telly itself. Turn off at bedtime, get into the habit and it will prove well worth the effort — plus its safer too.
Annual saving: £11.78
- ANNUAL SAVING POTENTIAL: £30.92
Deal of day
BRING the outdoors inside with Lenor Outdoorable fabric conditioner, which makes washing smell great. It’s £3 at Wilko, down from £5 – and with 60 washes, that works out at just 5p per wash.
SAVE: £2
Cheap treat
PICK up a tub of Snickers or Maltesers ice cream for £2.50, instead of the £3.39 RRP, at Nisa stores.
SAVE: 89p
