Peter Andre reveals why he’s introduced new energy efficiency rules for his family

With new research showing that UK renters believe setting house rules around energy efficiency is important, TV personality Peter Andre reveals how getting a smart meter has changed the way he views the energy use in his household, prompting him to introduce more energy saving rules to set a good example to his kids.  

Explaining why he decided to get the device, and the impact it has had, the Singer and TV personality said:

“Our busy, lively household is the centre of my world. With such a large family, it’s really important that we have a few rules to make sure our home runs smoothly. We have always encouraged the kids to make the planet better, with us as parents still learning about what we can do along the way, and some of our new house rules like turning off lights when you’re not in the room were prompted by getting our smart meter.

“The in-home display which came with the smart meter shows us exactly how much energy we’re using and has helped us to better understand our energy use. Now, when we encourage the kids to turn the lights off when they leave a room, try to keep their showers to five minutes and to turn their chargers off when they’re not using them, they can see the impact of those changes on the in-home display. It has definitely prompted all of us to keep a better eye on our energy use. I’d encourage anyone, whether they rent or own their home, to look into getting a smart meter.”

Peter is in good company, with ‘always turn off the lights when leaving the house' topping a list of energy efficiency rules among the country’s renters, according to new research by Smart Energy GB.

Among the estimated 8.6m renting households in the UK, almost all (97%) believe that it is important to have rules around energy efficiency in the home, with over half (51%) implementing them to both help the environment and reduce energy bills.

With over half of renters (58%) keeping an eye on wasteful use of lights, it’s no surprise that 54% said that they want the members of their household to be aware of their energy consumption, while a further 45% just want their family to be as energy efficient as possible.

In addition, 36% have a rule that all electrical items should be turned off at the plug when not in use, 23% want people to only boil the water they need and 20% say that phones should not be left on charge overnight.

With half (50%) introducing these rules to limit arguments, and nearly all (91%) finding it annoying when someone breaks a rule, renters may find that requesting a smart meter from their energy supplier could help maintain harmony in their home.

Smart meters are a simple step to improve energy efficiency behaviours in your household, because they come with an in-home display which shows you at a glance exactly how much energy you’re using, and how much it is costing you.

Victoria Bacon, Smart Energy GB, said: “It’s clear that house rules have an important place in people’s homes, particularly with many conscious of taking steps to keep their energy use down and wanting to keep arguments to a minimum.

“Requesting a smart meter from your energy supplier is simple to do and effective at helping to put you in control of your energy use. If you rent and the energy bill is in your name, you can ask your energy supplier to fit a smart meter, but it’s recommended that you tell your landlord before you get one. If your landlord pays the bills, ask them if they would be happy to arrange the upgrade.”

Most (96%) of the 1011 renters across the UK surveyed say that their parents had house rules when they were young, with nearly half having the same amount or more rules than their parents did.

Children under 12 (33%) and teenagers (26%) are the most likely to break house rules among renting families, with one in ten (11%) of parents admitting that they break their own rules.

RENTERS TOP ENERGY EFFICIENCY RULES:

 

1. 58% Turn off lights when leaving the home
2. 54% Be aware of your energy consumption
3. 45% Be as energy efficient as possible
4. 36% Turn electrical items off at the plug
5. 23% Only boil the water you need
6. 20% Don’t leave your phone on charge overnight
7. 19% Only put the dishwasher on when it’s full

 More information on smart meters for renters is available here.