Martin Lewis has revealed his advice on when we should be using our washing machines and other high energy appliances.
It comes as the National Grid is warning of UK-wide planned blackouts. In the event of a gas shortage this winter, UK homes could be facing three-hour power cuts in an attempt to ration the gas supply.
After the news was announced yesterday the MoneySavingExpert founder shared his verdict on the correct timings to use the most energy-sucking appliances, as switching them on during off-peak times could save us money.
He took to Twitter to answer the question "when's best to use high energy appliances such as tumble dryers?".
He explained how some households might have time-of-use tariffs, which would make washing and drying clothes cheaper after 9pm at night. Those without this type of tariff don't need to do this, as there's no difference in price between day and night.
"Most don't have time-of-use tariffs so there's no price difference," Martin said. "If you do, night's cheaper. Yet peak use is 4pm to 9pm so for UK's energy security, not then is better."
The finance writer also shared some money-saving tricks for those of us with solar appliances.
"If [you have] UV solar panels, use appliances in daylight hours," he added.
Washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers are examples of high energy appliances and make up 14 per cent of a typical energy bill, according to the Energy Saving Trust. The amount of power needed to heat the water that they use drives up energy usage.
However, if you're on a time-of-use tariff, you'll be charged different amounts for different types of energy depending on the time of day.
Using a washing machine during the day or late at night can make all the difference and alleviate the pressure on household bills.
Those on a time-of-use tariff will pay half the price to use energy gobbling appliances outside of the 4pm to 9pm peak hours.
Millions of households will also now be paid to use electricity during off-peak times in the coming months through a new scheme - as experts have warned there could be blackouts.
System operators said an "unlikely" shortage of gas could result in families suffering planned three-hour power cuts to protect energy supplies.
This is the worst-case scenario out of a possible three that the National Grid has outlined as part of a new report.
When it comes to washing machines, Martin had more advice for anyone looking to reduce their energy costs.
"Try to do one fewer load of washing a week and make sure you fill up the machine each time. "No more washing just one shirt or dress that you need for a big night out." he wrote on moneysavingexpert.com.
"The savings aren't huge, around £19 a year for modern machines, but can be much more with old ones.
"You could also try doing your washing on a colder setting. By washing your clothes at 30 degrees, you could save £54 a year, leading to a £73 overall saving."
The expert also advised people to use appliances on 'eco' mode where possible, which means they will run at a lower speed and heat and therefore cost less.
"The savings aren't huge, around £19 a year for modern machines, but can be much more with old ones.
"You could also try doing your washing on a colder setting. By washing your clothes at 30 degrees, you could save £54 a year, leading to a £73 overall saving."
He also suggested washing your clothes on an 'eco' setting wherever possible, which means the machine will run at a slower speed and use less energy.
Similarly, he also advised anyone with a dishwasher to make sure it's fully loaded before turning it on.
He explained: "If you wait till it's full, you can manage one less run of the machine a week. According to the Energy Saving Trust, reducing your dishwasher use by one run a week could save £27 annually."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
