As the nation heads into the colder months, millions of households across the UK could be losing money while they sleep. Experts warn that appliances left running overnight are silently driving up electricity bills — a hidden cost now being dubbed the “Sleep Tax.”
Research shows that night-time energy use can add as much as £200 a year to the average household bill, depending on the number of devices left on standby or operating after hours. With higher unit rates under the latest Ofgem price cap, this unseen waste is becoming one of the biggest missed opportunities for savings.
The unseen cost of sleeping with the lights (and routers) on
Even when families turn in for the night, many homes continue to draw power through routers, chargers, smart TVs, and standby appliances. Known collectively as “vampire energy,” these idle devices can account for up to 10% of total household electricity use.
Common overnight culprits include:
- Wi-Fi routers and boosters running 24/7
- Consoles, smart speakers, and set-top boxes on standby
- Heated blankets and electric radiators left on low
- Phone and laptop chargers still plugged in after devices are full
- Security lights, outdoor cameras, and garden heaters that never switch off
Although each uses only a small amount of power, the cumulative effect across an entire home — and millions of households — is significant.
How the “Sleep Tax” adds up
A single Wi-Fi router can consume around 10 watts continuously, costing roughly £25 per year to run. A gaming console in standby mode adds another £15 to £30 annually. Combined with chargers, speakers, and small appliances, households can easily exceed £150 in overnight standby costs.
The problem worsens in winter when many people keep heating or electric blankets on longer, often overnight. Smart home systems that maintain Wi-Fi connections, sensors, and heating schedules further increase overnight consumption.
While these conveniences are part of modern life, few people realise how much money is lost while they sleep.
Simple ways to cut the “Sleep Tax”
Experts suggest several easy adjustments to help households reduce unnecessary power drain overnight:
- Unplug or switch off devices at the wall when not in use.
- Use timers or smart plugs to cut power automatically after bedtime.
- Turn off Wi-Fi routers during sleeping hours unless required for security systems.
- Charge phones and laptops during the evening rather than overnight.
- Avoid keeping electric heaters or blankets on standby — use thermostats with timers instead.
By taking these steps, the average household can save £100–£200 a year — without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Why tariffs still matter
Even with better energy habits, choosing the right tariff remains essential. Families who regularly use appliances overnight, such as dishwashers or washing machines, may benefit from flexible or off-peak rates under certain dual fuel tariffs.
Households can identify potential savings by using a trusted comparison tool to compare energy prices and see whether fixed or variable deals offer better value for their specific usage pattern.
Experts at Free Price Compare recommend combining small behavioural changes with tariff checks to maximise savings before winter demand peaks.
Expert insight
“Many homes are paying an invisible penalty each year simply because devices never switch off,” said Shay Ramani, CEO of Free Price Compare.
“Energy use doesn’t stop when you go to bed, and neither do your bills. The best way to reduce costs is to cut unnecessary overnight usage and regularly compare energy prices to make sure you’re not on an outdated tariff. For some homes, adjusting habits and switching to suitable dual fuel tariffs can save hundreds of pounds a year.”
Why this matters now
Electricity use during the night has grown with the rise of connected homes and smart appliances. A decade ago, night-time consumption was typically limited to fridges, freezers, and essential lighting. Today, it includes everything from streaming boxes and game consoles to automatic dehumidifiers and electric car chargers.
As energy prices remain volatile, small efficiency improvements across millions of homes could collectively save the UK billions of pounds in wasted energy each year.
Government perspective
Campaigners have urged Ofgem and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to increase public awareness of standby waste as part of national energy-efficiency targets. The government’s current focus remains on insulation and heating upgrades, but experts say behaviour-based savings are quicker and cheaper to implement.
Until large-scale reforms arrive, reducing overnight waste remains one of the simplest ways for households to cut costs during the cost of living crisis.
Outlook
With further price fluctuations expected in 2026, the “Sleep Tax” is a wake-up call for households to rethink their habits. The combination of better control over overnight usage and smarter tariff selection could ease financial pressure for millions.
By using impartial services like Free Price Compare to compare energy prices and find cost-effective dual fuel tariffs, families can sleep more soundly — knowing they’re not paying extra for energy they never intended to use.
