With Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve around the corner, Brits will spend an average of 24 hours preparing for celebrations before the end of the year.
New research finds that time taken up by cooking festive food (66%), cleaning the house (61%) and decorating (56%) are the main sources of preparation, with a fifth (21%) admitting they begin planning for celebrations such as Diwali, Easter, Eid-al-Fitr and Christmas up to three months in advance.
But one in 10 risky revellers leave it to the week before to start their festive prep.
The extra effort is all worth it however, as new research from Smart Energy GB found almost three quarters (71%) of people say these celebrations are their favourite time of year.
Those who took part said that this was because the festivities offer the chance to spend more time with loved ones (51%), reconnect with family and friends (43%) and keep up traditions they had when they were younger (41%).
But all this planning, preparing, and partying can put pressure on household bills, with friends and family gathering under one roof often increasing the amount of energy being used.
More hours spent cooking (61%), heating the house (51%) and using appliances (46%) were some of the things found to contribute most to increased energy needs.
But it seems a smart meter could help in more ways than one, as households with one can access energy reward schemes, which encourage using energy differently in return for financial savings and other rewards. In fact, two thirds (68%) of smart meter owners who participate in an energy reward scheme say that festive celebrations mean they use energy more flexibly, which allows them to make savings.
Six in 10 (59%) people who access an energy reward scheme or flexible tariff, plan at least part of their celebration schedule to avoid times when demand for electricity is highest. This includes doing more washing (34%), using household appliances (31%), and batch cooking food (26%) at alternative times when demand is lower.
For further information search ‘Get a smart meter’ or visit https://www.smartenergygb.org/
To uncover the different ways Britain powers its festive celebrations and how a smart meter can help, Smart Energy GB teamed up with chef and author, Ravneet Gill, who met with two British families as they prepared different festive feasts. Nim Dhillon who celebrates Diwali with her family every year, and Sue Griffin who celebrates Christmas, revealed how they use a smart meter to feel more in control of their usage during the festivities.
Griffin said: “It was interesting to hear that even though Nim and I celebrate differently, our concerns around energy use and household bills are the same. A small change in my habits and making the switch to a smart meter has helped alleviate some of my concerns, which means I can focus on what’s important - enjoying celebrating Christmas and spending quality time with my family.”
Gill said: “It’s incredible that whatever cultural or religious occasion is celebrated, some themes ring true across many of them - spending time with loved ones, enjoying delicious food and drink and marking it with those yearly family traditions.
"I know first-hand about the rising energy demands that come with these festivities, but understanding simple swaps to be more energy efficient and having a smart meter has taken some of the pressure off. The greater level of visibility the in-home display gives me, means I can fully embrace the celebrations which is what it’s all about.”
Victoria Bacon, Director at Smart Energy GB commented “The next few months can be a busy time for some people, preparing, celebrating, and looking ahead to the new year. But it can be a worrying time too, particularly for those concerned about their household bills.
"A smart meter provides you with a better understanding of your energy use and shares your readings automatically with your supplier so you get accurate, rather than estimated, bills. They also enable you to access more flexible schemes and tariffs that could save you money.”
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