Deep dive into your summer energy habits

The summer may not typically be the time we are closely tracking our energy use. We often use less energy within the home if its warmer outside and we’re not turning the heating on as a result.

However, those warmer spells and longer days hopefully means plenty of time outdoors. If you have a garden or outdoor space then hopefully this summer you’re spending more time in it, doing things you enjoy. Whether it’s cutting the grass or trimming the hedges, if you’ve ever wondered how much some of your typical garden appliances cost to run then we’re to help.

How much do garden appliances cost to run?

Using the average power rating of electrical appliances and the average unit rates according to the July 2025 energy price cap¹, Uswitch have worked out that an electric barbecue costs the average household only 57p an hour to run.  Your electric lawn mower costs on average around 41p an hour, and if you’ve pushed the boat out and got a hot tub this year, the impact on your energy bills actually may not be as bad as you think at only 52p per hour.

See source data Which appliances use the most energy? - Uswitch

The cost of keeping cool

According to the Energy Saving Trust’s energy experts², electric fans in Great Britain cost between 15p and 31p on average for 24 hours of continuous use. It’s always worth checking the energy efficiency rating when buying a fan so you have an idea of the costs involved in running it.

If you have a portable air conditioning unit, it’ll cost you between £4.84 and £6 on average for 24 hours of continuous use.

You can get on top of your cooling costs by making sure your home is well-insulated – which also helps in the winter to keep your home warm. You may be eligible for support with the costs of insulation through the ECO scheme or The Great British Insulation Scheme.

Save more with ScottishPower’s Half-Price Electricity

So now you know how much some of your typical summer garden activities could cost, have you considered switching their use to times the grid is in less demand?

If you’re signed up for Power Saver³, you’ll automatically get access to Half-Price Electricity⁴, meaning you can enjoy a soak in the hot tub for half the price as long as it’s during our half price hours, as explained below.

To help households manage their energy bills, at ScottishPower we offer Half-Price Electricity⁴ for customers on eligible tariffs³. This means that on set slots throughout the week that you choose, your electricity usage will be charged at 50% of your standard unit rate and this can be seen as a credit on your bill.

Here’s how you can make the most of it:

By making the most of our Half-Price Electricity during the summer you could save on outdoor activities and your cooling needs. By planning ahead and using more electricity during the slots that you choose from those offered, you could significantly reduce your overall energy costs.

To check if you’re eligible or to switch to a Half-Price Electricity tariff, visit the ScottishPower website.