Smart plugs: what they can (and can't) do for your energy use
They won't magically shrink your bill, but used well they can stop standby waste and make your home easier to run.
Smart plugs are among the cheapest ways into a "smart home". You plug one into a wall socket, plug an appliance into it, and you can then switch that appliance on and off from your phone, on a schedule, or with your voice. They're often marketed as a way to cut energy bills. The truth is a little more nuanced.
Where they genuinely help
Many devices draw a small amount of power even when they look switched off - TVs and soundbars on standby, games consoles in "rest" mode, chargers left in the wall, older printers. Individually the amounts are small, but across a whole house over a year they add up. A smart plug on a schedule can cut that standby power completely overnight or while you're at work, without you having to remember.
They're also good for:
- Lamps and fairy lights: on at dusk, off at bedtime, and on while you're away to make the house look occupied.
- Slow cookers and similar appliances: switch on remotely so dinner is ready when you're home (only with appliances designed to be left unattended).
- Electric blankets and heated throws: a schedule makes sure they're never left on all night by mistake.
Plugs with energy monitoring
Some smart plugs report how much electricity the connected appliance uses. This is arguably the most useful feature of all, because it shows you where your money is going. Many people are surprised to learn how much an old fridge-freezer in the garage, a tumble dryer or a dehumidifier costs to run. Knowing the numbers helps you make better decisions, whether that's running the dryer less or replacing an inefficient appliance.
What they can't do
A smart plug doesn't make an appliance more efficient while it's running. Putting one on your kettle or washing machine won't use less electricity per boil or per wash. And the plug itself uses a little power to stay connected, so putting one on something that is already switched off at the wall saves nothing.
Choosing a smart plug
- Compatibility: make sure it works with the system you use - Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, or a standalone app. Newer plugs supporting the Matter standard work with most of them.
- Size: some models are bulky and block the neighbouring socket on a double wall plate.
- Energy monitoring: worth paying a little extra for.
- Works offline: check that schedules still run if your internet drops.
The bottom line
Smart plugs won't transform your energy bill on their own, but they are an inexpensive way to cut standby waste, automate everyday routines and - with energy monitoring - finally see which appliances are costing you the most.
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