Page last updated on 16th March 2026

How families can save on energy bills together

We've partnered with Energy Advice Helpline and actor Will Mellor. Together, we offer tips and share experiences on managing energy use in busy households.

Find out more

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: Will Mellow: So we've switched to a smart meter to help better monitor our energy usage. And with these two being at home for the summer, that really helps. Trust me.

Will: But they think they know more about saving energy than me. So we've been capturing some footage to find out who is better at saving energy in the Mellow household. Let's have a look.

Jayden Mellor: I use the air fryer more than anyone, it uses way less energy than an oven, and it cooks a lot quicker too.

Will: Your could actually clean it afterwards.

Jayden: Nah...

Will: I check this every day to keep track of our energy use and household bills.

Renee Mellor: I always unplug when I'm done. It's only a small thing, but it all adds up.

Jayden: I'm trying to get into the habit of wearing my clothes more than once before I was them.

Will: Oi! Go on, son!

Jayden: Dad's gone to bed and left the TV on again. Come on, Dad.

Jayden: I told you we know what we're doing. We actually care about saving energy.

Will: Ok, I'm impressed. You are greener than I thought, yeah

Renee: I love it when we're right.

Will: Oh, right are we? What about my energy? Tidying up after you all the time... oh, a bit quiet now!

The challenge

With 63% of parents worrying about the rising cost of household bills during the summer due to more people being at home with more free time*. And 82% of teenagers believe it’s important to be environmentally friendly and waste less energy*. There's a shared challenge between parents and children of keeping household bills down.

The solution

Our new research reveals that some teenagers are actively looking to reduce their energy waste in the home this summer*.

This new generation of ‘greenagers’ could encourage their parents to be more energy efficient too! For instance, teenagers could remind their parents to turn off lights when leaving a room or to think about energy-saving tips more often.

Benefits of smart meters

Another way in which greenagers can influence their family is by convincing their family to get a smart meter. Smart meters are proving to show real benefits in the household:

Households with a smart meter say they have saved an average of £139.38 on their energy bills over the previous 12 months*.
42% of smart meter owners feel they can better manage their household energy usage*.
33% understand their household’s energy usage better*.

How you can start saving

Get a smart meter

Request your smart meter to monitor energy usage more accurately and take advantage of more flexible energy tariffs.
Follow energy-saving tips

Implement simple habits like shorter showers, using appliances at lower temperatures, and turning off lights when not in use. Check out our energy saving tips for more ideas on how you can save!
Engage with your family

Encourage all family members to participate in energy-saving activities and educate them on the importance of being environmentally friendly.

For more tips and advice on managing your household energy, contact the Energy Advice Helpline.

*This online survey of 1000 parents of children aged 13-17 who are responsible for paying energy bills and 1000 of their children aged 13-17 was commissioned by Tin Man on behalf of Smart Energy GB and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct. Data was collected between 4th and 11th July 2024. All participants are double-opted in to take part in research and are paid an amount depending on the length and complexity of the survey. This survey was overseen and edited by the OnePoll research team. OnePoll are MRS Company Partners, corporate membership of ESOMAR and Members of the British Polling Council.