‘Save like a pro’ with the EFL and Smart Energy GB 2

EFL and Play-Off legends Rob Green and Dean Windass have teamed up to highlight the small changes that football fans can make around the home to help bring energy bills under control. New research has revealed that nearly four in ten (36%) football fans surveyed of this weekend’s Play-Off Final clubs still haven’t upgraded to smart meters, available at no extra cost from energy suppliers. 

Fans of the six teams competing in this years EFL Play-Off Finals were asked about their own eco-behaviours, with 61% saying they have introduced more energy saving habits. For instance, 67% of respondents switch off lights when they are not using them, and 50% are replacing traditional light bulbs with energy-saving LEDs. 

Six in 10 (60%) fans surveyed also reported that they had cut down on single use plastics in an attempt to be more sustainable. 

The new research comes as the EFL and Smart Energy GB announce a new partnership to educate and inform supporters on the benefits of having a smart meter installed at home, allowing fans to access some of the cheapest energy deals while also seeing the positive impact on their bills that energy-saving around the home can have. 

Footballer Dean Windass said, “It’s easier than you think to strike a better balance with your energy bills. Making small changes, like turning down your thermostat by even one degree or taking shorter showers, can tot up and being able to see your energy use on your in-home display is a real motivator to keep reducing energy and your bills too!“

“Getting a smart meter installed is a big save, no matter how you look at it. With automatic readings, it saves you the time and faff and also allows prepay users to top up via their mobile, online or at a shop. Ultimately, that means more time for football, alongside the pounds and pence you can save by keeping a closer eye on your energy use,” added former England international and Play-Off Final winning goalkeeper Rob Green. 

Smart meters instantly make a difference for fans through automatic billing and greater visibility of energy use via the in-home display (IHD). This in turn helps save a bit of money by showing fans where they can cut down on energy use in near-real time. 

What’s more, automatic billing will save football fans time on life admin, which they could otherwise channel towards their real passion, football. A quarter of fans surveyed (24%) said sharing meter readings with their energy suppliers is a life admin activity they’d like to otherwise devote to football!

For fans with prepay meters, having it upgraded to a smart prepayment meter will show when they are close to using emergency credit and offer several ways to top up from the comfort of their home (or wherever they watch the match!). 

What’s more, making the decision to have a smart meter installed adds nothing more to your bill, they’re available at no extra cost from your energy supplier, and it takes less time to have one installed than it takes for a game to go to penalties. 

Smart Energy GB’s, Fflur Lawton said, “Goalkeepers aren’t the only people who can make great saves – football fans can save too by getting a smart meter installed. Such a small step is a big win for both consumers and our energy system. By understanding their energy spending and seeing it in pounds and pence on the in-home display, football fans can bring their bills under control and use the money they save on the things that really matter to them.

“Getting a smart meter installed also helps the environment – smart meters are crucial to upgrading Britain’s outdated energy system, helping us all move to more environmentally friendly and sustainable energy sources like wind and solar.”

Visit smartenergygb.org to find out more.  

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

Censuswide polled 603 football fans aged 18+ who are the household bill payer to determine their energy use and sustainable habits and are fans of the following teams; Blackpool, Brentford, Newport County, Swansea, Barnsley and Lincoln City.

About smart meters and the rollout

Smart meters are the next generation of digital gas and electricity meters, providing automatic meter readings and near-real time energy use information for households.

Smart meters and the information they provide will help Britain to achieve net zero by allowing for better management of energy demand and supply, providing people with the visibility needed to reduce their usage, and making the best and most efficient use of wind and solar power. Innovative technology and services enabled by smart metering is pivotal in allowing our country to decarbonise and have more electric vehicles.

Smart meters are available from energy suppliers at no extra cost, and the accompanying in-home display shows energy use in pounds and pence. 24.2 million smart meters have already been installed across Britain.

About the EFL
The EFL (English Football League) is the world’s original league football competition. It is the largest single body of professional clubs in European football and is responsible for administering and regulating the Sky Bet EFL, Carabao Cup and Papa John’s Trophy, as well as reserve and youth football. The EFL, EFL Trust and our member clubs are at the heart of communities across the country, providing shared experiences for all and using the power of sport to improve lives.

About Smart Energy GB

Smart Energy GB is the not-for-profit, government-backed campaign helping everyone in Britain to understand the importance of smart meters and their benefits to people and the environment. Our national campaign is reaching homes and microbusinesses across England, Scotland and Wales. For more information visit smartenergyGB.org

Smart Energy GB media contacts

For more information including interview requests, case studies of smart meter users, infographics, photography and video content please contact the Smart Energy GB media team:

Smart Energy GB: 
Stephen Shawcross
[email protected]
07739659895