Latest news with #UtilitaEnergy
BBC News
10-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Tilly the dog thriving in Gosport after rescue by engineers
A dog found emaciated and starving in an abandoned home is now "thriving" after she was rescued by was discovered surrounded by rubbish and her own waste when engineers for Utilita Energy were sent to check the property in Stoke, Staffordshire, in Dollamore, who was the manager on call for the firm at the time, has since adopted her and says she has made a "remarkable recovery"."That picture of her, when she first put her head through the door - those eyes were pleading for help," Mr Dollamore, from Gosport, Hampshire, explained. He said engineers reported hearing whimpering before finding Tilly behind a door, "knee-deep in rubbish", stained and was taken a local vets where they said she weighed 3st 3lb (21kg) and could have been alone "for weeks".Mr Dollamore said Tilly was at risk of being euthanised if she failed to make it through the night on a drip."That night I tossed and turned. My heart took over, I thought 'I have to do something...' and decided I was going to adopt her," he said. The team at Utilita raised more than £600 towards vet bills and Tilly started to get Dollamore said the RSPCA was contacted and there was a police investigation, but the outcome was not disclosed to continued: "As a field engineer we go out to all sorts of places and the things we come across in real life can be heartbreaking. Tilly is an example of that."The vets named her Zara to start with, but as soon as I decided I was going to rescue her she became Tilly, which is abbreviated from Utilita." She is believed to be between four and nine years old and a mix of a boxer, Staffordshire bull terrier and American is now living with Mr Dollamore and his wife, as well as their 12-year-old dog Toby."I can't thank the guys at work enough. She has absolutely captured our hearts," Mr Dollamore added."I know I've absolutely done the right thing." You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
The Sun
28-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Five ‘vampire' gadgets that drain £300 a year from your bank account are revealed – is yours plugged in?
EXPERTS have revealed the common household appliances that are draining your wallet while you sleep. And most homeowners aren't even aware of the high costs associated with these items. 6 A survey from Utilita Energy found that 42% of energy account holders are unaware of the running cost of these everyday high-power electrical items. Chris Madikian, an electrical expert at The Local Electrician, rounded up the devices that run continuously or use standby power, which could be costing your household a significant sum over time. He explained that many appliances draw power even when appearing inactive, with some older models often being even less efficient. "When thinking about big energy consumption, many people focus on the usual suspects, washing machines or tumble dryers, but overlook the constant drain from devices that run 24/7," he said. The expert highlighted the most common unexpected energy consumers found in most homes. Old fridges and freezers 6 He revealed that certain fridge and freezer models may be racking up your energy bills. "Your fridge runs constantly, and older models of 10 years old or more use substantially more electricity than newer ones," he said. "Fridge freezers often draw between 100 and 250 watts, with older models costing households almost £300 a year. "So making sure what you have is running efficiently is a top priority, and this can be done by checking the energy rating." The expert also recommended making sure your fridge door is sealed properly and cleaning the appliance as well. Families can get FREE washing machines, fridges and kids' beds or £200 payments this summer – and you can apply now Set-top boxes and gaming consoles Data from showed that game consoles left on standby cost UK households 60 times more than TVs left on standby. This amounted to a whopping £231 million a year collectively. 6 "Many of us likely leave these in standby mode, thinking they use minimal power," the expert explained. "However, many set-top boxes and gaming consoles draw around three to five watts of electricity even when not actively used." Chris noted that disconnecting these devices or using smart plugs could save households between £40 and £60 annually. Vampire appliances that are draining your money Appliance expert Ian Palmer-Smith revealed the eight electrical products that may be increasing your household bills, even when they are left on standby. Washing machines Dishwashers Tumble dryers TVs Microwaves Computer monitors Printers Coffee machines Outdoor security lights The energy expert explained that your exterior security lights could also be costing you more than you think. "Motion-activated security lights can use surprising amounts of electricity if poorly adjusted," he said. "If your lights get triggered by passing wildlife or swaying branches, this can waste energy throughout the night." He recommended making changes to your sensitivity settings or changing them to LED bulbs, which are generally more energy efficient. 6 Electric towel rails While electric towel rails are a nice touch in the winter months, they can significantly inflate your energy bills. "Electric towel rails often run continuously in bathrooms, and it's not something many of us think about in terms of energy consumption," the expert pointed out. "Many can use between 60 and 200 watts an hour." Installing a timer or thermostat can help manage their operation and reduce unnecessary energy consumption. 6 Chargers and power adapters And finally, the chargers for your various electrics could also be racking up your bills, even when not in use. "You may have several chargers plugged in around your home that continue drawing small amounts of power even when nothing is connected to them," Chris said. "Even though one charger not in use can only amount to just a few pence a year, having multiple chargers around the house can make this number build up." He suggested unplugging chargers when not in use or using power strips that can be switched off completely. 6 The expert advised people to search their homes to find anything that can be secretly adding to their energy bills. "Walk through your home and note anything that stays plugged in continuously," he said. "Consider upgrading older appliances, especially fridges and freezers, to more efficient models." Smart meters can help identify usage patterns and find unexpected energy guzzlers. Many UK energy suppliers now offer these devices free of charge to customers. Plus, a change to energy bills could help save up to £129 per household. And a full list of 22 energy firms offering payouts of £150 to UK households.
Daily Mirror
20-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Brits struggle as temperatures soar 32 degrees and moods take a dive
A study of 2,000 adults has revealed the ideal temperature for Brits is 23 degrees, while 32 degrees is the point at which the hot weather becomes unbearable Research suggests that the sweet spot for Brits when it comes to temperature is a comfortable 23 degrees, but once the weather hits 32 degrees, it's all a bit too much. With forecasts predicting temperatures north of 30 degrees this weekend, we might be in for a bit of trouble. A survey involving 2,000 adults has revealed the top 30 tactics Brits employ to keep their cool during a heatwave. These range from donning minimal clothing and indulging in a chilly ice cream to taking a refreshing cold shower. Some more unconventional strategies include popping bed sheets in the freezer or putting ice cubes in front of the fan. Other popular choices involve seeking refuge in air-conditioned buildings and shielding from the sun's rays with sun hats and sunglasses. But despite the plethora of techniques used by most Brits, the research showed these methods 'sometimes' or 'rarely' hit the mark. In fact, on average, the cooling effects fizzle out after just 12 and a half minutes. A spokesperson for Utilita Energy, which commissioned the research as part of its Power Price List series to demonstrate exactly how much it costs to run a fan, along with 76 other household appliances, commented: "As temperatures hit a record high for this year of 32 degrees, we wanted to see the ways people stay cool during a heatwave. "Techniques vary from the classic to the experimental – but whatever methods you use, we can all agree that being too hot can really affect how much we enjoy the summertime." The study discovered that when temperatures soar to such uncomfortable levels, 55 per cent reported the heat can affect their mood, with irritability and lethargy being common side effects. In fact, two thirds of people have said that overheating is the biggest summer spoiler. A host of other grievances included having sleepless nights, being dehydrated, and physical discomforts such as nausea, headaches, and chafing. Over a third of Brits reckon they feel the heat more intensely at home than when abroad, while six out of 10 believe UK summers are hotter now than they were half a decade ago. Four in 10 would rather be chilly than sweltering in their own homes, so it's hardly surprising that 34 per cent dream of having an air conditioner to keep their abodes cool. However, over half admit they lack knowledge about how much energy these appliances consume as energy usage is less of a concern during the summer months. As energy usage is less of a concern during summer, with half claiming they don't think about it as much as they do during the colder months. A spokesperson for Utilita Energy said: "It's interesting to see how people think less about their energy during the warmer months and are less aware of what it costs to keep cool – which is where the Power Price List can help. "From this, we know the cost of running an air conditioner per use is 92p and a fan is 22p – helping you to stay informed while staying cool." BRITS' TOP 30 WAYS TO STAY COOL IN A HEATWAVE: Drink plenty of water Have a cold drink Sit in the shade Open windows Wear minimal clothing Eat an ice cream Stay indoors Turn fans on Have a cold shower Wear sunglasses Eat an ice lolly Put sun cream on Wear a hat Eat cold food Go into cool/air-conditioned buildings Go for a swim Use a handheld fan Keep skin covered Turn on air conditioning in your house Be naked Use a misting spray Have a glass of ice Use a cold compress Keep your feet cold Have an ice bath Use a cooling gel/lotion Wear UV protective clothing Run through sprinklers Freeze bed sheets Freeze clothing
Scottish Sun
11-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Majority of Brits shower in the morning NOT the evening, survey finds
Some Brits suggested showering earlier helps them wake up in the morning WET & WILD Majority of Brits shower in the morning NOT the evening, survey finds THE DAY vs night shower debate has been settled - with first thing coming out on top. A poll of 2,000 adults found early washes are more popular, with 57 per cent of those with a preference favouring the morning. Advertisement 1 The nation's preferred time to shower has finally been revealed Credit: SWNS In comparison, only 32 per cent prefer to get lathered up before bed. One in 10 (11 per cent) opted for neither option, preferring to get clean at some point in the afternoon. The main reasons for preferring an early morning spritz included wanting to start the day clean and refreshed (70 per cent), helping them wake up in the morning (50 per cent), and getting energised for the day ahead (45 per cent). A morning shower even formed part of the top three things to help people get ready for the day, alongside having a cup of coffee (34 per cent) and a healthy breakfast (29 per cent). Advertisement A spokesperson for Utilita Energy, which commissioned the research as part of its Power Price List series – a cost to run database of all household appliances, said: 'Heating up water to shower consumes a lot of energy, so we were interested to better understand people's behaviours. 'The smart meter data we see from Utilita households sees a spike in the morning and again in the afternoon and evening – clearly showers contribute more to the morning spike than the ones later in the day.' Despite winning the debate, morning showers were found to be a slightly more rushed and a less relaxing affair – with the average person spending an additional two minutes under the water in the evening than they do first thing. Nearly four in 10 also voted night-time cleanses as more relaxing, compared to only 15 per cent claiming this of morning washes. Advertisement With top reasons for opting for an evening shower related to its soothing effects, with four in 10 using this time to unwind and de-stress before they turn in for the night. While 51 per cent think showering before bed helps them to sleep more soundly, according to data. 'Smells great,' Dollar Tree fans cry after spotting $1.25 Sol de Janeiro dupe on shelves – it's $30 less than original Timesaving also contributed to these night owls' preferences, who use their extra time in the morning to sleep in (24 per cent) or devote time to other things (22 per cent). It also emerged 28 per cent claim a shower in the morning is vital to their routine, with 17 per cent saying the same about an evening clean. Advertisement One in 10 even said they would be unlikely to rinse and repeat if they couldn't do so at their preferred time. Top reasons for making changes to their routine included getting ready for a special occasion (36 per cent), travel plans (28 per cent), and oversleeping (24 per cent). Utilita's spokesperson added: 'The cost of running a shower for eight minutes is around 32p on average – or £116 a year. "The Power Price List is designed to reveal how tweaking habits can provide sizeable savings for households.'
The Sun
11-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Majority of Brits shower in the morning NOT the evening, survey finds
THE DAY vs night shower debate has been settled - with first thing coming out on top. A poll of 2,000 adults found early washes are more popular, with 57 per cent of those with a preference favouring the morning. 1 In comparison, only 32 per cent prefer to get lathered up before bed. One in 10 (11 per cent) opted for neither option, preferring to get clean at some point in the afternoon. The main reasons for preferring an early morning spritz included wanting to start the day clean and refreshed (70 per cent), helping them wake up in the morning (50 per cent), and getting energised for the day ahead (45 per cent). A morning shower even formed part of the top three things to help people get ready for the day, alongside having a cup of coffee (34 per cent) and a healthy breakfast (29 per cent). A spokesperson for Utilita Energy, which commissioned the research as part of its Power Price List series – a cost to run database of all household appliances, said: 'Heating up water to shower consumes a lot of energy, so we were interested to better understand people's behaviours. 'The smart meter data we see from Utilita households sees a spike in the morning and again in the afternoon and evening – clearly showers contribute more to the morning spike than the ones later in the day.' Despite winning the debate, morning showers were found to be a slightly more rushed and a less relaxing affair – with the average person spending an additional two minutes under the water in the evening than they do first thing. Nearly four in 10 also voted night-time cleanses as more relaxing, compared to only 15 per cent claiming this of morning washes. With top reasons for opting for an evening shower related to its soothing effects, with four in 10 using this time to unwind and de-stress before they turn in for the night. While 51 per cent think showering before bed helps them to sleep more soundly, according to data. 'Smells great,' Dollar Tree fans cry after spotting $1.25 Sol de Janeiro dupe on shelves – it's $30 less than original Timesaving also contributed to these night owls' preferences, who use their extra time in the morning to sleep in (24 per cent) or devote time to other things (22 per cent). It also emerged 28 per cent claim a shower in the morning is vital to their routine, with 17 per cent saying the same about an evening clean. One in 10 even said they would be unlikely to rinse and repeat if they couldn't do so at their preferred time. Top reasons for making changes to their routine included getting ready for a special occasion (36 per cent), travel plans (28 per cent), and oversleeping (24 per cent). Utilita's spokesperson added: 'The cost of running a shower for eight minutes is around 32p on average – or £116 a year. "The Power Price List is designed to reveal how tweaking habits can provide sizeable savings for households.'
