Brits are gearing up for the festive season, with new research revealing that they spend an average of 24 hours preparing for celebrations before the year ends. Tasks such as cooking festive food, cleaning the house, and decorating are the main sources of preparation, with some starting the planning process up to three months in advance. However, there are risky revellers who leave it until the week before the festivities to start their preparations.
The effort put into these celebrations is deemed worthwhile, as almost three quarters of people consider this time of year their favourite. The chance to spend more time with loved ones, reconnect with family and friends, and uphold traditions from their youth are cited as the main reasons for the excitement surrounding the festive season. The research, conducted by Smart Energy GB, also highlighted that the gatherings during this time can put pressure on household bills due to increased energy consumption.
British households tend to spend more time cooking, heating the house, and using appliances during the festive period, leading to a spike in energy usage. Smart meters have been identified as a potential solution to this issue, enabling users to participate in energy reward schemes that promote flexible energy usage in exchange for financial savings and other rewards. Smart meter owners who engage in these schemes have reported using energy more flexibly during celebrations, leading to significant savings.
To explore how Brits power their festive celebrations and the role of smart meters in managing energy usage, Smart Energy GB collaborated with chef and author Ravneet Gill. The partnership involved meeting with two British families – Nim Dhillon, who celebrates Diwali, and Sue Griffin, who celebrates Christmas. Both families shared how they utilise smart meters to monitor and control their energy consumption during the festive season, ensuring a more sustainable approach to their celebrations.
Gill noted the importance of spending time with loved ones, enjoying good food and drink, and observing family traditions during festive occasions. By making simple changes in energy habits and adopting smart meters, individuals can alleviate concerns about household bills and focus on enjoying the festive season. Victoria Bacon, Director at Smart Energy GB, emphasised the benefits of smart meters in providing a better understanding of energy consumption and facilitating access to flexible energy schemes that could result in cost savings.
As the festive season approaches, Smart Energy GB’s initiative aims to raise awareness about efficient energy usage during celebrations and the positive impact of smart meters on managing household energy consumption. By promoting flexible energy practices and offering reward schemes, Smart Energy GB seeks to empower households to make informed decisions about their energy usage, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and cost-effective festive season.