Energy supplier EDF have unveiled a new gadget that allows consumers to turn off their appliances from anywhere in the home.

The wireless EcoManager enables householders to control and switch off their microwave ovens, TVs and stereos from any location, allowing them to cut needless energy use and save money on their bills in the process.

The device also allows people to see just how much energy their appliances are using, as well as how much electricity is being wasted when individual appliances are on standby. Householders simply have to connect the appliances they want to monitor and control to a transmitter plug. 

Jim Poole, director of B2C at EDF, said: "Customers can plug the devices into existing sockets and transform the way they monitor and control their energy use." 

The EcoManager retails at £69.99 and is available to all customers, not just those who purchase their energy from EDF. It is estimated that households in the UK spend around eight per cent of their electricity bill on energy used to power items on standby mode.

energyhelpline.com