Page last updated on 21st October 2026
Make it count: turn your extra hour into a Power Hour
When the clocks go back, we get an extra 60 minutes. Why not make them count? Smart Energy GB has teamed up with actress and presenter Joanna Page to inspire the nation to tackle those long-overdue jobs, tick something off the to-do list and take a step towards managing energy at home.
Turn your extra hour into a Power Hour
There’s always something we mean to get around to. Maybe it’s a household job we keep putting off, a bit of life admin that’s been hanging over us or simply finding time to do something for ourselves.
When the clocks go back, that extra hour is a chance to make a start. We’re calling it your Power Hour: 60 minutes to tackle a task, make a little progress or do something that leaves you feeling good.
Our research found that:
For one in five (21%), not having enough time is the main reason they don’t get around to ticking things off.
Almost half (48%) wish they had an extra hour every day.
And 92% agree that finally completing a job they’ve been putting off is satisfying.
So, what could you get done with an hour to spare? Joanna Page is here to help inspire you to make yours count.
Watch: Joanna Page gets to work with our Power Hour hero
Watch Joanna and Hannah take on some everyday tasks and discover how much you can fit into 60 minutes. Whether you’re tackling a job you’ve been putting off or taking a small step towards managing your home’s energy, a little motivation can go a long way.
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Joanna: Okay, then. Are you ready?
Joanna: Now that we've got the clocks going back, we're going to get a bonus hour.
Joanna: So, my challenge to you is to fit as many tasks into your bonus power hour as you possibly can. Are you ready for it?
Hannah: Yes, absolutely. Let's go.
[Joanna and Hannah loads the washing machine]
Joanna: Come on, let's get it all finished. Fab.
[Hannah requests a smart meter online with her laptop]
Joanna: Done. That was quick.
Hannah: I've been meaning to request a smart meter for ages.
Joanna: Well, now you can track your energy use and how much it's costing you.
[Joanna enters a room where Hannah is relaxing on a sofa with a self-care face mask on]
Joanna: Oh, sorry. I'll leave you to it.
Joanna: Self-care is just as important as the other things on our to-do lists.
[Joanna and Hannah preparing meals in a kitchen ]
Hannah: I've got to get the veggies in.
Joanna: That's it. Get them in. What's next?
Hannah: The omelette.
Joanna: Right. Go get it. Oh, that looks lovely. She won't miss this one.
[Joanna and Hannah chatting while having a cup of tea]
Joanna: How was that?
Hannah: Easier than I thought.
Joanna: The fact that you managed to do all that and requested a smart meter is amazing.
Hannah: It's been really good to kind of just tick all of those things off my list.
Joanna: Well, I'm glad to have helped. So, that's brilliant.
Put a smart meter on your to-do list
Household jobs make up 51% of the tasks on Brits’ checklists. Whether it’s bleeding radiators, defrosting the freezer or booking a boiler service, they might not be the most exciting jobs on the list, but getting them done can feel like a win.
And your Power Hour could be a chance to take another useful step: requesting a smart meter.
Of those who already have a smart meter:
48% were surprised by how quick and easy the process to get one was.
38% wish they’d got one sooner.
59% say having a smart meter has encouraged their household to be more energy efficient.
39% say it has saved them money.
A smart meter comes with an in-home display that shows how much energy you’re using in near-real time, helping you keep track of your energy use and make more informed decisions about the energy you use at home.
Ready to tick it off your list?
Search for your energy supplier below to find out how to request a smart meter.
Five ways to make the most of your Power Hour
Need a little inspiration? Joanna Page shares five simple ways to get your Power Hour started.
1. Set a timer and see what you can do
A long to-do list can feel overwhelming, so pick a task, set a timer for 60 minutes and get going. You might be surprised by how much you can achieve when you give yourself a dedicated chunk of time.
2. Start with the job you’ve been putting off
Sometimes, getting started is the hardest part. Pick one job that’s been hanging over you and tackle it first. For me, it’s cleaning the floors! Once that’s out of the way, everything else feels a little easier.
3. Make it more enjoyable
Put on your favourite playlist or listen to an audiobook while you get things done. And if a face mask is more your thing, there’s no reason you can’t make a little time for that, too. Your Power Hour should work for you.
4. Remember, small steps count
You don’t have to finish a big job in one go. Sometimes, making a start is enough. If you’ve been meaning to request a smart meter, for example, use your Power Hour to contact your energy supplier and find out how. Getting the ball rolling is a win in itself.
5. Leave a little time for yourself
Power Hour doesn’t have to be all work and no play. Once you’ve tackled a task, reward yourself with something you enjoy, whether that’s a relaxing soak in the bath, catching up on your favourite show or simply putting your feet up.
The important thing is to make your extra hour count in a way that feels good to you.
Ready to make your Power Hour count?
Whether there’s a job you’ve been meaning to tackle or you’re ready to take a step towards understanding your energy use, your extra hour is a chance to get started.
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*Research conducted by OnePoll among 2,000 UK adults between 22 and 24 September 2026.