Angela Rippon on the simple switch that can help people save money on bills

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “It’s a wonderful way of finding out how much energy you use on particular devices in the house,” says Rippon, who’s had a smart meter in her London flat for about five years. We’re also doing our bit for the climate by not using as much energy.” Rippon – who’s presented a range of shows over the years, from the Antiques Roadshow and Top Gear to Rip-Off Britain – says she’s been most surprised at how much energy simply boiling a kettle uses: “The meter needle goes shooting up into the red to tell you you’re using a lot of energy, because it takes a lot of energy to boil a kettle. “It’s as simple as that,” says Rippon, who stresses that smart meters are easy to understand, including people who might be concerned about using devices. I fortunately have a job that I love and a diary absolutely full of work, I’m glad to say, so it’s great.” Angela Rippon has partnered with Smart Energy GB to show households how a smart meter could help keep better track of their energy bills.