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Becoming more energy efficient is as easy as changing a light bulb

Brits encouraged to “go green”

Tuesday 13 January, 2009

By becca.talbot@consumerchoices.co.uk

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New research reveals only 50% of British households are planning to make their homes more energy efficient this year and, as a result, could be losing out on significant financial savings.

A study carried out by energy giant npower (www.npower.com) found that as few as 3% of Brits have taken “green” New Year’s resolutions, while half of respondents have no plans to make their homes more energy efficient in 2009.

Following the statistics, npower, has signed up well-known TV characters Wallace and Gromit to help promote energy efficiency in the home, giving the British public tips and ideas on how become more efficient and save money and energy.

The initiative by npower will see the comic duo tackle key areas of energy efficiency, such as heating and switching suppliers, helping homeowners and businesses to get value from their energy usage, with simple ideas that can make a real financial difference.

“We wanted to remind people that there are quick and easy ways that they can make immediate cost savings in their home,” said Joan Coe, head of brand communications at npower. “We hope that by working with Wallace and Gromit we can show consumers just how easy being energy efficient can be and how it can save you money straight away.”

The research also revealed that Brits think that introducing energy saving measures around their homes is difficult and costly. The study found:

Only 15% of respondents plan on switching to energy efficient light bulbs or switching off electrical appliances when not in use
Only 8 % plan on installing double glazing
Only 6 % plan to insulate their hot water tank
Only 6% plan to switch to ‘green’ electricity generated from renewable sources.

Of those 50% of Brits looking to become more energy efficient in 2009, saving money is the most motivating reason, followed by an increasing concern for the environment.

Chris Eagle, commercial manager at EnergyChoices.co.uk said: “The statistics from this study are actually quite worrying. People need to be made more aware of how much money they can save on fuel bills by implementing energy efficiency measures around the home.”

He continued: “Even something as simple as taking a shower instead of a bath uses a third of the hot water and could save you around £20 per person per year on your energy bills, and turning down your thermostat by 1°c could save you around £65 a year.”

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