In the midst of the roast dinner season, a recent survey has revealed some surprising twists to this beloved Sunday meal tradition. One in 10 people enjoy adding eggs to their roast dinner, while others consider garlic bread and tomato ketchup as essential accompaniments. The U.K.’s varied preferences for the perfect roast dinner were highlighted in the study, with the preparation of this meal taking between two to four hours, leading to increased electricity consumption.
The survey conducted by EDF found that three-quarters of participants are more conscious of the cost of cooking a roast compared to five years ago. To help households manage their electricity usage more efficiently, EDF has introduced the Sunday Saver challenge. By reducing energy consumption during peak hours on weekdays, participants can earn free electricity on Sundays, perfect for cooking a traditional roast. Rewards include up to 144 hours of free electricity between November and December, offering an incentive for more sustainable energy practices.
In terms of roast dinner preferences, individuals across the country vary in their choices of gravy, vegetables, and side dishes. While most agree that thick gravy is a must-have, the debate over mashed potatoes, seasonal vs roasted vegetables, and cooking methods remains contentious. To promote the Sunday Saver challenge, EDF enlisted roast enthusiasts Jake and Sophie Quickenden to explore how free electricity can impact Sunday dinner disagreements. Despite differing opinions on elements of the roast dinner, the couple agreed that reducing weekday energy usage made the cooking process more enjoyable.
Rich Hughes, the Director of Retail at EDF, highlighted the significance of the Sunday Saver initiative in encouraging energy-conscious practices. The program offers free electricity on Sundays, aligning with the sentiment that Sundays are a special day for many families to bond and enjoy a traditional meal. As consumer behaviour shifts towards more sustainable choices, EDF aims to empower individuals to make positive changes in their energy consumption habits.
With the Sunday Saver challenge paving the way for environmentally friendly cooking practices, households can now experiment with different roast dinner components while reaping the benefits of reduced electricity costs. As the nation navigates changes in energy consumption, initiatives like this provide practical solutions for a more sustainable future.