As Glastonbury kicks off, a new study from British Gas has revealed the unsung heroes of festival season – parents across the UK

• Majority of parents (92%) with children aged 16-30 say their kids still have a big impact on their home energy usage

• 80% of empty nesters admit their children still pop home to drop off bags of washing

• Research reveals that parents are bracing themselves for 39 mud-caked garments to be dumped in the laundry basket after one the UK’s biggest festivals

• To ease the load, British Gas is launching The Wash Pit – a giant pop-up laundrette that parents can rely on to clean festivalgoers’ dirty laundry before it makes it home

26 June 2025 – London, UK: 92% of parents with children aged 16-30 say their kids still have a big impact on their home energy usage, even if they have moved out, according to new research from British Gas. 80% of empty nesters admit their children still pop home to charge phones (65%), take extra-long showers (61%), watch the TV (49%), and even drop off bags of washing (31%).

In the lead-up to the UK’s biggest festival, the data highlights the energy impact of post-Glastonbury returns. On average, parents can expect 39 mud-caked garments to be dumped in the laundry basket, including eight pairs of socks, seven t-shirts, seven pairs of pants, and five hoodies, to name a few.

To lighten the load and save parents’ energy, British Gas is rolling out The Wash Pit, a giant pop-up laundrette designed to clean up the country’s dirtiest festival gear before it arrives home. The Wash Pit will be at Leigh Delamere Eastbound Service Station on Monday 30th June for festival goers stopping by to refuel post-Glastonbury. Slots at The Wash Pit are free, available to book via Eventbrite and show that small, practical support – whether it's a clean pair of socks or a well-timed energy-saving tip – can make a big difference.

British Gas is helping parents cut down on energy bills with initiatives like PeakSave – which offers half price electricity between 11am and 4pm on Sundays when more renewable energy is available. The pop-up laundrette operates from an electric vehicle which will be charged during PeakSave hours ready to go for Monday’s event. And to ensure everything is environment friendly, the wash cycles on the day will be powered by a solar generator. With nearly a quarter (23%) of parents saying they do laundry on Sundays, it’s a great example of how saving your washing – or charging – for a Sunday can benefit both your wallet and the planet.

The research found that parents must contend with their offspring taking a combined 13 showers a week - with each shower lasting an average of 18 minutes - that's a skin-wrinkling total of 3.9 hours of hot water running every week, or 202.8 hours per year. Parents also find themselves running six loads of their children’s washing per week, equating to nearly nine hours with the machine on. Cooking for their returning offspring means the oven is in use for around nine hours weekly, while TVs are left on for up to 20 hours, potentially unwatched.

It’s no surprise then, that 67% of parents have found themselves uttering the classic, “Shut that door – were you born in a barn?” at least once recently. Yet, in true parental fashion, 72% say they wouldn’t have it any other way. Despite the weekly energy spats (four on average), British parents are happy to help when they are needed and say it’s part of being a family.

Catherine O’Kelly, Managing Director of British Gas Energy said: "Our research shows that young adults continue to lean on the family home, especially after big weekends like Glastonbury with parents happy to help. However, we understand how that impacts households, from energy bills to laundry loads, so The Wash Pit is our way of saving parents’ energy – for the home and themselves. Whether it's through half-price electricity on Sundays with PeakSave, or same-day engineer visits when things go wrong, we are here to take care of things

for our customers when it matters most.”

So, as muddy tents are packed away and festivalgoers head home, there’s one sure sign Glastonbury season is over: the sound of the family washing machine spinning… again.

The Wash Pit will be operating on June 30th between 11am-6pm at Leigh Delamere Eastbound Service Station, between Junction 17 and 18, M4 Eastbound, Chippenham SN14 6LB. Slots for a speedy wash and dry are limited and can be booked on Eventbrite at the link here - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/british-gas-the-wash-pit-tickets-1401225466089?aff=oddtdtcreator.

PARENTS TOP TEN ENERGY USAGE PEEVES…

1. Charging their phone or devices for hours 65%

2. Leaving lights on in every room 63%

3. Taking longer than necessary showers 61%

4. Leaving the TV on for hours 49%

5. Use kitchen appliances (toaster, air fryer, kettle, etc) 38%

6. Turning thermostat up 24%

7. Leaving the windows open with the heating on 23%

8. Forgetting to turn the oven off 18%

9. Running the bath to brim 17%

10. Leaving the oven on for longer than necessary 16%

-ENDS-

British Gas is Britain’s leading supplier of energy and services. We are part of Centrica, a company founded on a 200-year heritage of serving people. We provide energy and services to 10 million UK homes and businesses, supported by thousands of highly trained engineers and technicians. We are committed to energising a greener, fairer future as laid out in our People and Planet Plan and Annual Report.

Logo

Images

Tags

More Like This

SAVVY SAVINGS TO CUT WASTE

3 million[¹] Brits face 'energy poverty' as over a third dip into savings to cover bills this winter: Aira Reports

Children influence sustainability habits in UK homes, especially around recycling, study finds

AMDEA reveals the power of knowledge to save money and resources

Sustain Commercial Solar Study: UK Businesses Could Save Thousands Annually by Turning Off Appliances In The Workplace

Cost of cool spring hits Brits

Survey Reveals Over Half of UK Adults Sharing Streaming Service Login Details

Majority of Parents Want to Avoid Summer Tourist Hotspots with the Kids