George Clarke, architect, visited Barry Island for the final stop of ScottishPower’s Great Green Challenge on Tour, a UK-wide campaign focused on helping families cut energy costs and adopt more sustainable living habits.
In his role as ScottishPower’s greener living ambassador, Mr Clarke met ScottishPower customer Rebecca Helmore.
Ms Helmore has begun using a smart meter to monitor energy consumption in her busy household, which includes teenagers and constant laundry. She has also joined ScottishPower’s Power Saver service, which gives customers access to cheaper off-peak periods every day of the week.
Mr Clarke said: “Rebecca has a real family home in Barry – kids, routines, devices charging and big, bulky loads of washing.
“It’s the typical challenge that families across the country face when it comes to energy use and Rebecca has found simple ways to take more control and save money.
“A smart meter might seem like a small change, but it’s one of the most valuable first steps a household can take.
“You don’t need to become an energy expert; you just need to understand what your home is actually using.”
Ms Helmore said the changes have made a real difference.
She said: “Between my job, volunteering as a coastguard and being a mum, my to-do list is never-ending.
“In my home, Power Saver has helped me move energy use into cheaper off-peak periods in a way that really fits around my life and my family’s routine.
“Having the app on my phone makes it even easier to manage, and it’s flexible enough to adapt my Power Saver slots when things change – like during the summer holidays.
“It’s one of those practical changes that just makes sense.”
