The school holidays are a welcome break for children, but they can often bring an unwelcome increase in household energy bills. With children spending more time at home, televisions, games consoles, computers, tablets and kitchen appliances tend to be used far more frequently than during term time. For households using prepayment meters, this can make budgeting even more challenging.
Fortunately, there are several simple steps families can take to reduce their energy consumption and keep costs under control throughout the holidays.
Why Energy Use Increases During School Holidays
When children are at school, many homes remain relatively quiet during the day. During the holidays, however, energy consumption often rises due to:
• Increased use of televisions, computers and gaming consoles
• More frequent charging of phones, tablets and other devices
• Additional cooking and snack preparation
• Greater use of lighting throughout the day
• Increased use of hot water for showers, baths and washing
Even small increases in daily energy use can add up over several weeks, making school holidays an expensive period for many households.
The Impact on Prepayment Meter Customers
For households using prepayment meters, higher energy use can be felt immediately. Unlike direct debit customers who may see the impact later in their monthly bill, prepayment customers often notice credit running down much faster during holiday periods.
This can create additional pressure on family budgets, particularly during the summer when costs for activities, childcare and food are already higher. To avoid unexpected interruptions to supply, prepayment customers should:
• Monitor meter balances regularly
• Take advantage of online apps or websites offered by their energy supplier
• Top up in advance before weekends or bank holidays
• Check whether they qualify for any supplier support schemes or hardship funds
Keeping a close eye on usage can help families avoid the stress of emergency top-ups and better understand where energy is being used.
Video Games: A Hidden Energy Cost
Video games have become a staple of school holiday entertainment. While gaming can be a relatively low-cost activity compared to outings and attractions, it can contribute significantly to household electricity use when multiple devices are running for long periods.
A typical gaming setup may include:
• A games console or gaming PC
• A television or monitor
• Internet routers
• Speakers or sound systems
• Device chargers
Many children spend several hours a day gaming during holidays, and devices are often left in standby mode when not in use. Whilst standby power may seem insignificant, the combined effect of several electronic devices can increase energy consumption over time.
Tips for Reducing Gaming-Related Energy Use
Families can reduce gaming costs by:
• Turning consoles off completely rather than leaving them on standby
• Activating power-saving settings on consoles and PCs
• Switching off televisions and monitors when taking breaks
• Unplugging chargers once devices are fully charged
• Encouraging regular outdoor activities to reduce screen time
These simple habits can help lower electricity use without eliminating children's favourite holiday activities.
Practical Ways to Save Money on Energy Bills
1. Make the Most of Natural Light
During summer holidays, daylight hours are longer. Opening curtains and blinds can reduce the need for artificial lighting throughout the day.
2. Cook Efficiently
Preparing meals for children at home can increase energy use in the kitchen. For instance:
• Batch cooking several meals at once
• Using air fryers, slow cookers or microwaves where appropriate
• Avoiding repeatedly opening oven doors while cooking
3. Manage Device Charging
Children frequently charge phones, tablets, headphones and handheld gaming devices. Establishing a routine charging period can prevent chargers being left plugged in all day.
4. Wash Smarter
School holidays often mean more laundry. Families can save money by:
• Waiting until they have full loads
• Washing clothes at lower temperatures where suitable
• Air-drying clothes outdoors whenever possible
5. Review Hot Water Usage
Encouraging shorter showers can make a noticeable difference to both water and energy costs. Even reducing shower times by a few minutes per person can deliver savings over the course of the holiday.
6. Turn Off Unused Appliances
It is easy for televisions, laptops and games consoles to remain switched on in different rooms. Encouraging everyone in the household to turn devices off when finished can reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
Get the Whole Family Involved
One of the most effective ways to reduce energy costs is to make energy saving a family activity. Parents can encourage children to:
• Turn off lights when leaving a room
• Switch off gaming equipment after use
• Keep fridge and freezer doors closed
• Spend more time outdoors during daylight hours
Some families even create friendly competitions to see who remembers the most energy-saving habits throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
School holidays do not have to result in a dramatic rise in energy bills. By paying closer attention to energy use, particularly around gaming devices and household electronics, families can keep costs manageable while still enjoying the break.
For customers using prepayment meters, regular monitoring and careful budgeting can provide greater control over energy spending. Combined with simple changes such as switching off unused appliances, using power-saving settings and making the most of natural daylight, these measures can help households enjoy a fun-filled holiday without seeing their energy costs spiral out of control.
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