‘Our smart meter has made
Modern life has left many parents feeling overwhelmed. But, as busy mum-of-two Stephanie Deakin explains, a few smart life hacks, from batch cooking to keeping an eye on the smart meter, can really help
JUGGLING work and a couple of kids can be hectic, but the whole family team up and find ways to save time. I find it so much easier to do batch cooking, with meals for the family and soup I can take to work. We’re quite set in our routine, so the moment my two children, aged eight and nine, come home, they make their packed lunch for the next day. In the mornings they make their beds too, which saves me a lot of time running round after them.
Getting a smart meter has made a massive difference to us. The kids always left the lights switched on, but being able to watch the in-home display helps them realise what it costs. If I forget and switch the kettle on twice, they’ll say: “Mummy! Look how much that’s just cost you!” They now understand they should hang their towels up after a shower so they don’t have to go in the tumble-dryer, and in the summer we all let our hair dry naturally, so it’s in much better condition.
Not only is the smart meter helping me to save time and money, but it’s been fun for the children to see as well. When we were home schooling, they’d spend hours adding up how much energy is costing us over the month. I’ve turned my thermostat down to 19 degrees instead of whacking it on full, and I’ve also stopped having it on a timer. Instead I only put it on when I need it. That’s made a massive difference, because when you’re rushing round in the morning you don’t always need the heating on. And instead of having three pans on the go when I’m doing the Sunday dinner, I’ve got a stacking steamer so I’m only using one hob ring.
The smart meter didn’t cost me anything extra and was quick to get installed, and it’s easy to use. We have it set up near the TV, so it’s in our minds all the time. Being as busy as I am, I used to keep forgetting to send my meter reading in, so the bills would go up and I wouldn’t even realise they had. But now I know exactly how much I’m spending and can budget for my next bill.
Getting a smart meter installed has been great for the whole family.
Not only is the smart meter helping me to save time and money, but it’s been fun for the children to see as well STEPHANIE DEAKIN
If you’re worried about your energy bills or falling into debt, visit citizensadvice.org.uk for information and support