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Metro
42 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Gen Z are making their tea without a kettle and it's an 'absolute violation'
As Brits, we're famous the world over for enjoying a good cup of tea — and proud of it. However, it appears that some of us have begun taking a rather, erm, creative approach to preparing our morning cuppa. While getting the kettle on might be one of the first things most of us do on any given morning, it appears that isn't the case for every age group. New statistics, which almost made us spit out our tea, reveal over half of Gen Z (those aged 18 to 27) makes their brew (brace yourself) in the microwave. The research, carried out by comparison experts USwitch, found that three-fifths of Gen Z (58%) admitted to the practice, with a shocking one in six (17%) doing so every day. In news that probably has Earl Grey himself spinning in his grave, they aren't even the only ones at it. Millennials (aged 28-43) were the next most likely age bracket to prefer a nuked brew, with 32% of them admitting to the practice, and Gen X (aged 44-59) took third place, with 15% of them choosing to prepare tea radiation-style. Rounding out the list are the Baby Boomers (those aged 60 to 78) and the Silent Generation (aged 79 and above), with just 10% of the former and only 6% of the latter using a microwave to make tea. Gen Z (18-27) – 58% (18-27) – 58% Millennials (28-43) – 32% (28-43) – 32% Gen X (44-59) – 15% (44-59) – 15% Boomers (60-78) – 10% (60-78) – 10% Silent Generation (79+) – 6% Unsuprisingly, the practice of microwaving tea has disturbed many. The practice is actually surprisingly common in America, and when stateside content creators have filmed themselves making tea in this way, it's caused quite the backlash from Brits. 'I think I just witnessed a crime,' and KerryManyLetters commented on one such video, 'How? How can people not know how to make tea?'. While another called it an 'absolute violation' and a third said that microwaving tea fell under the category of 'things that should be illegal but aren't!' Others had a more emotional reaction. User @sillybillylilly wrote: 'This physically hurts its not even funny there are tears in my eyes.' Meanwhile those who have attempted to make tea 'American-style' in the microwave were less than impressed, with Irish creator Garron Noone (garron_music), describing it as tasting like 'sterilised baby bottles'. As someone who considers themselves a self-styled brew connoisseur, it's a question that I personally never thought I'd have to ask. However, it appears that there is, at least, some reasoning behind why the younger demographic might be turning to the microwave to make a brew. Natalie Mathie, energy expert at remarks: 'It's possible that many younger people use a microwave because kettles are often banned in student accommodation, but this is a trend that's growing with each passing generation. More Trending 'While it seems like an affront to basic tea-making traditions, if it works for people, who are we to argue? 'However you're boiling your water, make sure you only put in the amount of water you need, as heating excess water can waste a lot of electricity' Whatever option you prefer – kettle, hob, microwave – the cost of boiling your tea water is still only about 1p per cuppa. View More » If you are really counting the pennies, then technically, a covered pan on a gas hob is the cheapest way to make tea, at just 0.74p. However, you're gonna be waiting a while for that brew. Gas hob (covered pan) – 0.74p (in 217 seconds) Gas hob (uncovered pan) – 0.84p (in 245 seconds) Microwave – 1.03p (in 180 seconds) Electric kettle – 1.11p (in 52 seconds) Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Bizarre theory around Trisha Paytas' superhero-inspired name of third baby MORE: Mum-of-six reserves sun beds then leaves resort to go shopping and get breakfast MORE: People are wearing 'five finger shoes' to the office in a fashion move we never saw coming Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Daily Record
02-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Should Brits start getting air conditioners as temperatures skyrocket in the UK?
Air conditioning could either be considered a waste of money or a wise investment as the mercury rises in the UK The first half of the year has seen pretty up-and-down, tempestuous weather to say the least. From record-breaking storms to record-breaking heat, the UK, from Shetland to St Ives, has experienced it all. And it is not over yet. Scotland had its hottest day of the year so far on June 20, when a peak of 28.9C was recorded at Drumnadrochit on the shore of Loch Ness, while Charterhall in the Scottish Borders and Aboyne in Aberdeenshire hit 28.7C. Edinburgh reached 28.4C, ahead of Glasgow on 27.3C. Meanwhile, south of the border is currently entering the sixth day of a heatwave, with highs of a whopping 35C expected in some areas. But while we might be flinging the windows open, reaching for the portable fans, or sleeping without the covers, people in other parts of the world are opting for what is probably a very logical solution - air conditioning. Air conditioning is a foreign concept to many Brits, and it is not often we see it installed in UK homes - but it is on the up. This is due to skyrocketing temperatures in the UK. Just this week, the Met Office warned that hitting levels of heat close to 40C is now 20 times more likely than it was in the 1960s. And as the climate crisis ramps, so will the heat. The use of AC has seen a huge spike over the past decade, rising sevenfold, according to a paper published in Energy Research & Social Science earlier this month. In fact, aircon use has rocketed by 90 per cent in the last two years alone, energy expert Ben Gallizzi told The Telegraph. But before you rush to get your own unit fitted, you might need reminded of the pros and cons. Firstly, if Brits rush to get AC, we're just contributing to the climate crisis. "By using air conditioning, we're still burning fossil fuels and adding to that problem of climate change," Alexander Buck, a sustainability specialist at the architecture firm Buckley Gray Yeoman (BGY), told the Independent. "It's a self-perpetuating circle - we use more air conditioning, then we make the climate warmer, and then we're going to need more air conditioning." There's also an energy crisis around the corner. Households were urged to send in meter readings ahead of the energy price cap falling by 7 per cent on July 1 - £660 lower than at the height of the energy crisis in 2023. However, prices remain elevated, and Buck says we must do "everything we can" to reduce demand being placed on buildings and the national grid by "reducing the amount of air conditioning and heating we put into buildings". There's also the cost of AC to think about - the price of the unit and installation itself, and then the energy cost, which is no small feat considering the cost of living crisis which is pushing people into desperate financial times. If you are feeling a bit more flush and fancy investing in a unit, though, Amazon is selling this Dreo Smart 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner, essentially a silent mobile air conditioner for your bedroom, for £599.99. Alternatively, save 20 per cent with Argos' Bush 7K Air Conditioner at £320, down from £400. And if you are still not convinced, maybe the GoodHome Mobile 3 in 1 Local air conditioner from B&Q at £190 is more up your street. In short, there are cases in which getting aircon in your home might make sense. Hospitals and care homes, as well as buildings catering for vulnerable people, could really benefit. But it shouldn't be the norm for most of us. "Our advice would be to absolutely avoid it as far as possible, because that would be a negative outcome if everyone started getting it," Antonietta Canta, urbanisation and resilience associate at Arup, the global consultancy firm, told the Independent. "For the country, for the planet - it would be a very dangerous thing to do." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Mirror
25-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Millions told act 'in next 5 days' or face energy bills overcharge
Experts say households on standard variable tariffs could save £50 next month alone, with the average energy bill expected to fall from £113 in June to £63 in July Households across the UK are being urged to take a meter reading before the month's end or risk missing out on cheaper energy bills. Over seven million properties could be overcharged from 1 July if they don't provide their latest gas and electricity readings, has warned. Energy specialists have calculated that those on standard variable tariffs could pocket an extra £50 in July due to reduced summer consumption and a decrease in the energy price cap, with average bills expected to drop from £113 in June to £63 in July. However, customers without smart meters who fail to submit a reading may be charged at the higher June rates, potentially costing up to £1.93 more per week. The collective cost for all homes missing the cut-off could exceed £14 million in a single week, reports the Express. Ben Gallizzi, Uswitch energy guru, advised: "If you want to make the most of lower prices this summer, read your meter before July 1. It only takes a minute, and it could save you money. Without an accurate reading, suppliers may assume your usage falls into the old June pricing - meaning you pay more than you should." This advice comes as experts warn of potential energy price hikes this autumn, with Middle Eastern turmoil pushing wholesale costs up. The energy price cap is anticipated to increase in October, coinciding with a surge in demand due to cooler temperatures. In light of looming autumn price surges, customers are urged to contemplate switching sooner rather than later. Uswitch has revealed that there are 10 fixed tariffs cheaper than the expected July price cap, with potential yearly savings averaging about £145. Gallizzi said: "There's a lot of global uncertainty at the moment. Fixing your energy deal now could help you stay ahead of any future hikes. If you can switch to a tariff cheaper than the July price cap, now is a good time to do it." This imperative suggestion arrives as numerous families confess to falling out of the practice of submitting meter readings regularly. A fifth of Brits lacking a smart meter have failed to communicate a reading to their provider in the past three months, while 6% have neglected this for over a year. Absent-mindedness and perplexity are to blame. One third believed it unnecessary to send readings often, whilst 16% simply forgot. Uswitch is offering a straightforward three-step checklist to aid consumers in keeping their bills in check: CHECK: If you don't possess a smart meter, put in a meter reading prior to July 1 to guarantee you're paying correctly for the actual energy consumed. TRACK: Use a smart meter or an energy tracking app to watch over your consumption; it's a beneficial way to identify patterns and reduce waste. CHANGE: Think about changing to a fixed-rate arrangement now, before the prices escalate yet again in October. For further support and guidance, including details on how to read your meter, head to
Scottish Sun
20-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
How I save £150 a month with half-price electricity due to simple schedule switch
Check if your supplier offers free electricity - we explain which suppliers do below SOAPY SUNDAYS How I save £150 a month with half-price electricity due to simple schedule switch Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SAVVY great-grandmother has slashed her energy bill by switching her weekly washing schedule to take advantage of cheaper off-peak power. Ria Oldroyd, a 76-year-old retiree who lives alone in a one-bed bungalow in Kessingland, Suffolk, with her two pet cats, is a British Gas customer. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Ria Oldroyd saves serious cash by doing her washing on Sundays Since signing up to it's Peak Save scheme - where customers get half-price electricity on Sunday - a few months ago, Ria has dubbed her weekly routing 'Soapy Sunday'. She has three children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren – and lots of those family members live close by. The money-saving pensioner, who was a support worker before retireing, told The Sun: 'I made some major changes to my weekly routine after taking up an offer for 'half-price electricity on Sundays' from my supplier, British Gas.' 'Sunday used to be a day for going out and seeing people, but I now tend to spend the day at home, taking advantage of my 'cheap energy' window". 'I allow my washing to pile up through the week, and then aim to get as much done as I can during the allocated five-hour slot on a Sunday.' Ria currently pays £70 a month for gas and electricity. Since signing up to the scheme, she's saved £50 and is expecting to save around £100 over the next year. Timing is key for discounts Ria has established a routine that works really well for her. 'I separate out my whites, my colours and my darks,' she said. 'If I'm efficient, I can just about get three or four washes in between 11am and 4pm when my electricity is half-price.' Helpfully, the energy price cap is set to fall to £1,720 from July 1, down from the current £1,849. Nevertheless, costs remain high. Thankfully, Ria runs a tight ship – and this includes monitoring her energy usage very closely. 'I don't usually switch on my tumble dryer because it's so expensive to run,' she said. 'However, I'm happy with the idea of using it carefully during those half-price hours on a Sunday.' Other firms offering time of use discounts British Gas is just one of a host of energy suppliers to offer time-of-use incentives to consumers to smooth demand and encourage smarter energy use, according to comparison site, Uswitch. Other providers which have schemes with free or half-price electricity at 'off-peak' times include EDF, Octopus, Ovo and Scottish Power. As well as Sundays, electricity suppliers often charge less late in the night or early in the morning (such as 7am-8am). All of these off-peak slots – when demand is lower – can work out a lot more cost-effective. Natalie Mathie, energy expert at said: 'Suppliers are offering these free and half-price schemes to help move electricity use away from peak times to those points in the week when everyone's using less energy.' Schemes like these, she adds, will become increasingly important as the country shifts towards using more renewable energy, such as wind and solar. 'Washing machines and tumble dryers are some of the most energy-intensive appliances in the house, so they are perfectly suited to such schemes,' she said. 'By saving up your laundry, you can save significant amounts of money.' Ria urges other households to cotton on to the fact there are big savings to be made by adjusting their washing routine. 'Over the course of a year, savings from a scheme like this can really add up,' she said. 'I'd really recommend avoiding peak-time power use – and saving laundry through the week for a big Sunday session.' To find out if your supplier offers a scheme, visit their website. Note that to take advantage of "off-peak" schemes such as this, you will need a working smart meter. Ria's other tips to keep energy costs down Saving up her washing for the cheaper "off-peak hours" on a Sunday is not the only step that Ria takes to help keep a lid on her energy bills. 'I always keep a pillow and blanket by the sofa in case I need to layer up when temperatures drop,' she said. 'And I've got hot water bottles ready to go whenever I need them.' Ria is also diligent about keeping cold air out of her home and ensuring that warm air stays in. 'I've got big thick curtains that cover the doors completely, as well as draught excluders to go along the bottom. "Lots of these are habits I learned from my childhood.' The savvy pensioner is also disciplined about not cranking up the heating. 'I can't afford to get tempted to notch up the thermostat,' she said. 'If anything, I try turning it down a little.' As we've reported previously, reducing it by one degree can potentially slash your heating bills by around £100. Ria added: 'It might not sound like a lot, but small changes can make a big difference.'
The Sun
02-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
The nightmare hot weather appliances that you MUST switch off to save on energy bills
Daniel Fessahaye Published: Invalid Date, JUST because the heating's off doesn't mean your energy bills are taking a break – in fact, some warm weather gadgets could be driving them up. With hotter temperatures sweeping the UK, many households might assume costs will drop. But the truth is, some appliances we rely on in the heat could be draining more power than you realise. These " vampire appliances" drain your electricity when they're left on for long periods of time. Of course, how much you'll actually pay depends on how much you use the appliance and what make and model you have. All costs are calculated using the current price cap rates. Between 1 April and 30 June 2025, the energy price cap is set at £1,849 per year for a typical household who use electricity and gas and pay by Direct Debit. From fans that can keep you cool at night and fridge-freezers to smart speakers and garden lights, here are the summer culprits that could be costing you a small fortune... Desktop fan A desktop fan might be a must on a warm night, but it's not completely free to run. According to Uswitch, using a 35-watt fan for around 9 hours a day over a week will cost around 60p. The exact costs will depend on your energy tariff and the device you have. But you can use this equation to work it out: Cost = power (kilowatt) × time (hour) × cost of 1 kWh (pence). What is the energy price cap? Elise Melville, energy expert at said: 'Leaving a fan running overnight for 12 hours to keep cool will only set you back 11p – as desktop fans don't use much energy. 'You can cut the cost of running a fan by making sure you are using it as efficiently as possible. 'Some models come with an 'eco' setting, which means they lose less power so cost less to run. 'You should also make sure the fan is free of obstructions and not dusty, as this could cause the fan to work harder than it needs to. 'Placing a bowl of ice cubes in front of an electric fan will lower the temperature of the air being blown around the room. 'This might cool you down faster, so you don't need to keep the fan on for as long.' More ways to save on energy bills this summer Switching off appliances around your home is one of the easiest ways to cut energy costs. Senior Consumer reporter Olivia Marshall explains how. Check if you still need your dehumidifier Dehumidifiers can help speed up your drying time, while also reducing the amount of moisture and condensation created by drying clothes indoors. However, you may not need it as often during the summer months when you can open the windows to ventilate your home instead. You could consider changing the settings so it runs for less time, or turn it off completely if you can let the air in through your windows. Take your lamps off a timer During the dark winter months, lots of households chose to put their lights on a timer for security reasons. As the days get longer, it's worth checking these settings to see if your lights are coming on earlier than they need to. Turn off any plug-in heaters Electric heaters can be a useful way of making a room a little warmer in the winter. Some of them also come with timers you can set when they come on. If your gadget does, then it's time to give the settings a tweak. Electric shower When temperatures soar, many of us find ourselves hopping in the shower more often – but that can quickly drive up your bills. An electric shower uses a lot of power. A 10-minute rinse each day for a week can cost around £3.41. To keep costs down, try to limit showers to four minutes, or switch to a cold shower now and then – especially in a heatwave. You could also invest in an eco-shower head to cut water usage, which helps reduce both your energy and water bills if you're on a meter. Fridge freezer Your fridge freezer is always on – and always using energy. A typical model uses around 245.5kWh a year, which works out at £66.36 under the current energy price cap. In summer, it's likely working even harder to stay cool – especially if the room temperature rises or if the door is opened more often. Keep it well stocked but not overloaded, don't leave the door open longer than needed, and defrost regularly to help it run more efficiently. Outdoor lighting Enjoying your garden into the evening is part of the summer fun, but outdoor lights can sneakily bump up your bills. If you've got four 60W lights on for an hour each night, that adds up to 45p a week. Consider swapping to solar-powered lights, which soak up the sun's energy during the day and don't cost a penny to run. You'll save money – and they're better for the environment too. How do I calculate my energy bill? BELOW we reveal how you can calculate your own energy bill. To calculate how much you pay for your energy bill, you must find out your unit rate for gas and electricity and the standing charge for each fuel type. The unit rate will usually be shown on your bill in p/ standing charge is a daily charge that is paid 365 days of the year - irrespective of whether or not you use any gas or electricity. You will then need to note down your own annual energy usage from a previous bill. Once you have these details, you can work out your gas and electricity costs separately. Multiply your usage in kWh by the unit rate cost in p/kWh for the corresponding fuel type - this will give you your usage costs. You'll then need to multiply each standing charge by 365 and add this figure to the totals for your usage - this will then give you your annual costs. Divide this figure by 12, and you'll be able to determine how much you should expect to pay each month from April 1. Smart speaker You might not think twice about leaving your smart speaker plugged in – but even in standby mode, it uses energy. But smart speakers are some of the most expensive devices to leave on standby. Most smart speakers draw around 2 watts constantly when not in use. That might sound low, but over a year, that could add £4.74 to your energy bill. So if you're not using it, switch it off at the wall and unplug it when possible. .
