FAMILIES in the UK are wasting an incredible £227million a year by leaving electrical appliances switched on, according to research by price comparison website uSwitch.

The study shows that one in six people leaves the lights on when they go out, while the average household leaves electronic items on standby for a combined total of 51 hours a day.

TVs, phone chargers and digital TV boxes are the items most likely to be left on standby at a collective £145.2million cost to families in the UK.

Jules Greenidge, energy expert at uSwitch.com, said: "With families struggling with the rising cost of living, remembering to turn off appliances will avoid unnecessary standby expenses."