British Gas has advised customers to check which devices they are leaving plugged in and consuming power while on standby – including games consoles, laptops, TVs and set-top boxes – in order to save some money on the company’s soaring energy bills.
Speaking to the BBC, British Gas energy expert Marc Robson advised buying a smart plug, and switching devices off at the mains.
Indeed, the language of today’s call from British Gas has been criticised for passing the blame for high bills onto consumers.
British Gas’ own research, published by BBC News, appears to show a possible average saving of £147 per year by switching “vampire devices” off.