Almost half of home workers admit to working more at weekends than pre-lockdown while 71 percent say they struggle to make the weekends feel different from Monday to Friday, according to new research by Bord Gáis Energy.
The survey of 1,000 people which examines how the nation is spending their time in lockdown, was carried out to mark the launch of Bord Gáis Energy’s new range of smart plans, helping customers make the most of their smart meters.
The smart plans include a choice of either ‘Free Time Saturday’ or ‘Free Time Sunday’ offers, giving Bord Gáis Energy customers free electricity between 9am and 5pm on their specified day at weekends.
Additionally, Bord Gáis Energy’s discount weekend plan gives customers a night rate all weekend, meaning lower energy costs from 11pm on Friday through to 8am on Monday.
Weekend energy
With very little to differentiate the weekend from weekdays, it’s perhaps no surprise that over half (53 percent ) of people polled admit to using their free time at the weekends for more mundane tasks like doing the household chores. However, 63 per cent say they try and make the weekend feel different by using their free time to enjoy the great outdoors, while a quarter have a designated date night at the weekends.
Almost half have been investing their free time in a new hobby or skill; 32 per cent say they have taken up running, cycling, or walking; while 31 per cent have started baking and 19 per cent have become involved in arts and crafts.
Despite being in the house more there are some past at-home indulgences we are keen to reinject to our home lives, with almost one in four (24 per cent ) looking forward to entertaining around live sporting or music events at home, and nearly 20 per cent longing for a little bit of me-time in the house to relax.
Positive energy
While lockdown has been a challenge, the results of the survey show that many will take positives from the experience. More than half (56 per cent ) pledge to continue spending more time with their family post lockdown, and 51 per cent say they hope to continue with a better work/life balance and enjoy more time at home. A third vow to keep up their new hobby and 35 per cent say they will continue their fitness routine.
Although those polled are keen to keep up with the positives, the nation cannot wait to re-embrace some of the weekend’s more typical pursuits; with more than half missing a restaurant meal with friends and family (57 per cent ) and more than one in three longing for the moment that they can reunite with friends in bars and pubs (35 per cent ).
Smart energy
While there have been positives to spending more time at home, the latest Bord Gáis Energy research highlights that consumers are concerned about energy usage given the increase in time spent within their household.
Heating and lighting use are the biggest concern among respondents, with 61 per cent saying their usage has increased substantially, while 42 per cent have been using more WiFi and personal appliances due to working from home. Nearly 40 per cent of all respondents are concerned by extra energy consumption driven by the use of extra usage driven by the use of kitchen appliances; with all meals being prepared and made in the kitchen too.
When asked about the concerns around higher energy use, Ireland’s number one worry was shown to be around energy estimates, with a fear that estimated meter reads will lead to higher accurate bills, or higher estimates in future. Bord Gáis Energy’s new smart plans alleviate this worry with real-time usage monitoring, smart bills and time of use tariffs; helping consumers measure their energy consumption better and get ahead of bills.
As the national roll out of smart meters continues, the Bord Gáis Energy research found consumers to be most motivated by saving money on their monthly bills, with consumers wanting to arm themselves with knowledge around which times of the week are cheapest for usage.
Customers also want to put an end to estimates, with Bord Gáis Energy’s smart meter plans doing just that.
