Brits fearful of Christmas as virtually half say they’re fearful about key factor

Normally at this time of year Brits are beginning to feel the freeze, but now, they’re feeling the squeeze as families across the country are worried about the cost of Christmas.

One in five admit they start planning their festive parties months before, although one in 10 risky revellers leave it to the week before to start prepping – and there are a lot of them coming up, Christmas and New Years to name a few.

Research from Smart Energy GB makes clear that these magical moments don’t come without planning, with Brits set to spend an average of 24 hours getting ready for celebrations before the end of the year, with that time taken up by cooking festive food (66%), cleaning the house (61%) and decorating (56%).

The extra effort is all worth it however, as For 71% of the 2,000 adults polled these celebrations are their favourite time of year, giving them 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%).

For 71% of the 2,000 adults polled, these celebrations are their favourite time of year, giving them 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%).

However, one key thing makes Brits very worried about the festive season. Despite, all the joy that being surrounded by loved ones and extended family brings, almost half (43%) are worrying about the extra pressure on finances.

Hosting can certainly have an impact on household bills, with 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.

Devices being used and charged more regularly (35%), streaming family movies on TVs and tablets (34%) and playing festive playlists on speakers (24%) also contribute to increased energy needs.

Elsewhere, the research found that 65% of Brits are more mindful about their household energy usage during cultural and religious celebrations, including turning lights off in unused rooms (34%), keeping the heating on a lower temperature when it’s on (34%) and avoiding regularly using the tumble dryer (21%).

Smart Energy GB is the independent, non-profit, government-backed organisation that helps households and small businesses across Britain understand how smart meters can benefit them, their families and the environment.

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.

In a separate poll of 2,000 smart meter owners, over half (51%) use their smart meter display to monitor their energy use, and a third (36%) said it helped them to feel more in control of their energy use.1 A further three-quarters (74%) of smart meter owners say they’re more aware of their energy use since getting a smart meter1 and nearly nine in 10 people have taken steps to reduce their energy usage.

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.

With the average festive feast leaving enough food for up to three additional meals, over a third (36%) are choosing to store leftovers or freeze meals for a later date – reducing cooking time and energy requirements in the days following.

Sue Griffin added: “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.”

Ravneet Gill says: “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.”