Experts decide whether leaving the plug socket on all the time makes a difference to your bill

Do you switch off your power points? Experts say leaving electricity on DOES make a difference to your bill – even if appliances are turned off

  • Consumer advocacy group CHOICE Australia have raised an important question
  • They investigated whether turning off power points each day made a difference
  • The experts found that it did make as much as 3% difference to your final bill
  • While it won’t make you rich it’s worth turning off the TV and toaster each day 

The average Australian household has 16 internet-connected devices at any one time, with many of them remaining on all throughout the day.

On top of that there are TVs, microwaves, toasters, kettles, diffusers, electric toothbrushes and lamps plugged in that are contributing to 42 per cent of your electricity bill.

Consumer advocacy group CHOICE investigated whether keeping these appliances ‘on’ at the power point makes a difference to your final bill – and it does by three per cent.

There are TVs, microwaves, toasters, kettles, diffusers, electric toothbrushes and lamps plugged in that are contributing to 42 per cent of your electricity bill

‘It’s not going to make you rich, but it’s better for the environment and will save you money,’ CHOICE expert Denis Gallagher said of turning the plugs off.

All of these plugged-in machines still use power when they’re on standby because they’re preparing to be ready at any moment.

‘We’re not talking big bucks but the Department of the Environment and Energy says that appliances that aren’t switched off can still account for about three per cent of your energy bill,’ he continued.

So if you can turn off your blender or salt lamp it will be worth it for your back pocket – and will go a long way in helping the environment too.

After charging your laptop and mobile phone you should turn off the power at the wall

After charging your laptop and mobile phone you should turn off the power at the wall

‘Last year the average Australian home had 15 to 17 internet-connected devices, and this is set to more than double by 2022. 

‘There’s going to be many more of these devices throughout the home, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on how your energy bill could be impacted.’

While there are some things – like your fridge, freezer and clocks – that you can’t turn off, it’s best to purchase energy efficient options where possible.

This will reduce running costs which in turn will keep your electricity bill constant. 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk