More than half of Brits say that being able to estimate accurately would help them to plan more effectively and manage UK household energy costs
Predicting the weather and guessing someone’s age rank among the most challenging estimations for Brits, according to new research. A poll of 2,000 adults revealed that many people also struggle when attempting to ‘guesstimate’ how much paint they’ll require when redecorating (25%) and the amount of energy their household consumes daily (21%).
The survey uncovered that just 13% correctly estimated that it costs 1-2p to boil an electric kettle for a cuppa. A mere 14% were aware that a 10-minute shower uses between 100-150 litres of water. This guesswork carries a real price tag – with Brits confessing to wasting food (27%) and receiving a higher bill than anticipated (21%).
Two thirds said that being able to estimate accurately would help them plan more effectively, avoid waste (56%) and cut stress (52%). Half believe that having more precise information would help them forecast their costs, bills and outgoings.
The research established that energy bills would be the most valuable thing to have accurate information about (38%), underlining the shortcomings of guesswork when it comes to household expenditure.
The study was commissioned by Smart Energy GB, which joined forces with TV and theatre star Denise Van Outen to demonstrate how reliable information can help households keep on top of their finances.
“Loads of us rely on guesswork for things like cooking or housework but there are areas in life where being accurate is really important.” Denise said.
“For me, having a smart meter takes away that uncertainty when it comes to energy. I can see what I’m using day-to-day on my in-home display, which makes it much easier to stay in control and avoid any surprises.
“It’s one less thing to think about, and that peace of mind makes a real difference in a busy household.”
Three in 10 (29%) confess they find it challenging to estimate how much energy their household appliances consume, while 27% consider it difficult to calculate daily heating costs.
Yet 67% believe it’s useful to be able to monitor their energy use and costs in real time, and almost half (45%) of those who have a smart meter check the in-home display several times a week.
Six in 10 agree that having access to information about their energy consumption can help manage household costs better, according to the statistics by OnePoll.
Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy GB, said: “While we might be happy to guesstimate pasta portions and have some leftover for later, there are plenty of areas where we’d prefer to have accurate information, including our energy use.
“Having a smart meter means you will receive accurate bills that aren’t based on estimates, and the in-home display gives you up-to-date information about your energy use, which means no more guesswork. That visibility makes it easier to plan ahead, budget more confidently and stay in control of your spending.”
TOP 10 THINGS THAT ARE HARDEST TO GUESS:
- What the weather will be like in the coming weeks
- Someone’s age
- How long a queue will take
- How much paint you’ll need when redecorating
- The actual cost of doing up your house
- Which supermarket checkout will be quickest
- What time your parcel will arrive
- How much energy your household uses daily
- How much pasta to cook
- How much food to prepare for guests
