Page last updated on 16th March 2026
Celebrate smarter this festive season
With so many special occasions like Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, and Eid celebrated throughout the year, we've partnered with chef and author Ravneet Gill. Together, we explore how a smart meter can help take some of the pressure off during the festivities.
How to ease the festive pressures
Watch chef and author Ravneet Gill uncover the different ways we power our festive celebrations. Talking to Nim who celebrates Diwali, and Sue who celebrates Christmas, they share their top tips on how they save energy during their winter celebrations.
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[Video opens with a montage of Chef and Author Ravneet Gill, laughing, cooking and spending time in the kitchen with her two interviewees Nim and Sue who celebrate Diwali and Christmas respectively]
Ravneet: Celebrations bring loved ones together, but hosting at home can be hectic and impact our energy usage. I'm joined by Nim and Sue, who are cooking up a festive feast while sharing how their smart meter helps take the pressure off.
Ravneet: So Nim, what are you cooking for us?
Nim: Oh I'm making a Diwali feast today. We celebrate every single year with lots of food, family and friends.
Ravneet: Lovely, and Sue what about you?
Sue: This is our traditional Christmas dinner.
[A montage plays showing Ravneet helping both Nim and Sue prepare their respective dishes and finishes with Ravneet and Nim talking]
Ravneet: Your (Nim) Diwali celebrations sound fab! But it sounds like a lot of energy being used, how do you manage that?
Nim: So I try and batch cook so that I save on time and energy. I do things like my samosas in advance so that I can freeze them. I also use energy efficient appliances like my pressure cooker for my Dahl, and I use an air fryer for my paneer and pakoras.
Ravneet: Sue, tell me about your Christmas day?
Sue: My Christmas day starts at 5:00 in the morning when I put the turkey in. Then the children come down - open the presents - it's fantastic chaos.
Ravneet: It sounds like such a busy day, how does your smart meter help you feel more in control of your energy usage?
Sue: I'm part of an energy rewards scheme that encourages me to use less energy at certain times. Making savings throughout the year means that I can relax a little at Christmas.
Ravneet: So it takes the pressure off for those celebratory times when you're potentially using more energy?
Nim: It really does!
Sue: Totally, yeah.
[A montage ensues showing potatoes roasting in the oven, Sue checking over them, Nim serving up a delicious paneer curry and Ravneet handing our mimosas as they all sit together to enjoy a feast]
Ravneet: There you have it, some ideas on how to make your celebrations a little less energy intensive and all the more enjoyable with lots of feel-good food. Should we tuck in?
Sue: Absolutely! It all looks very delicious.
Nim: Yes!
Ravneet: Potatoes first, right?
[End credit roll telling viewers to search "Get a smart meter", that eligibility may vary and that consumer action is required]
How smart meters can help over the holidays
With all the planning and preparation that comes with hosting celebrations, it can often lead to increased energy bills - our research shows that 43% of us say the cost of celebrating is always on our minds*.
Here are some ways in which smart meters can help to keep your energy usage down while you celebrate.
Save money and energy
Households with a smart meter report saving an average of £140 per year by managing their energy more efficiently*.
Feel in control
Over half (51%) of users rely on their in-home display to monitor energy usage in near real-time, with 36% feeling more in control of their spending*.
Earn rewards
Many households use smart meters to participate in energy reward schemes, helping them make savings by shifting energy use at certain times.
Tips to help you celebrate smarter
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Batch cooking for flexibility
Prepare some of your festive meals in advance to reduce stress and save energy.
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Energy-saving decorations
Opt for LED lights and turn off festive lights in unused rooms to cut costs.
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Plan efficiently
According to our survey, 74% of smart meter owners say they are more aware of their energy use*.
This increased awareness can help you make smarter decisions about your energy consumption, especially when planning for celebrations.
By being mindful of your energy use, you can manage your energy more effectively, which can have a significant positive impact.
How to get a smart meter
With energy use peaking during celebrations, a smart meter provides the information needed to help save energy and money. Make your festive celebration one to remember—for all the right reasons.
You may also be interested in...
- Ross Kemp on smart meters - Ross Kemp interviews smart meter experts to get down to the bottom of your top inquiries.
- Energy saving tips - take a look at how you could save money around your home.
- About smart meters - find out everything you need to know before getting one.
*Poll of 2,001 consumers in Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland) aged 18+ with smart meters, conducted by Censuswide from 29th April to 8th May 2024.