Just a quick tip for those who resent paying more than they have to on their fuel bills.
I am able to compare my usage with previous months and last year easily on the provider's website so I know I am using considerably less electricity this year than last.
I read the manuals of my washing machine and dishwasher and both show the energy usage for different programmes. It is obvious that a boil wash is going to use a lot more electricity than a cool wash, but surprisingly, longer programmes can use a lot less energy than shorter programmes. My washing machine uses more electricity for the 20 minute 'power wash' that can only handle 3kg of laundry than the much longer 'cotton wash' that can take 7kg.
Similarly the 'eco' setting on my dishwasher uses a lot less electricity (and water) than the other settings although the cycle takes longer.
Worth taking a few minutes to check out, most manuals are available online if you can't locate yours.