Energy News

High bills force Brits to become energy efficient

Tuesday 5 May, 2009

By becca.talbot@consumerchoices.co.uk

High energy prices and the recession are forcing households to become more eco-friendly, according to a new survey.

Over three quarters of households in Britain have become more energy efficient over the past 12 months according to new research from uSwitch.com.

However, the survey, among 4,301 adults found that Brits worried about tightened budgets are reluctant to invest money in anything that involves a short term cost, even if it would lead to longer-term energy efficiency.

Almost half said they believed that energy saving costs money, and of those who hadn’t had cavity or solid wall insulation fitted, 64% said it was because of the cost.

Ann Robinson of uSwitch.com said: “Consumers are reacting to the recession and the high cost of energy by cutting back on energy usage. They are taking simple steps, but they are not buying into the major energy efficiency measures because they are worried about the costs involved and don’t understand the savings they could make.”

The survey found that consumers were cutting down their energy bills through behavioural changes:

• Over 90% of households in Britain now switch off lights when they’re not needed
• Almost 80% only fill the kettle with the required amount of water
• And 69% no longer leave electrical appliances on standby.

However, 36% of those asked said their drive to become more energy efficient was higher energy prices, and not environmental concerns. Just 9% of those asked said that the impact of their carbon footprint on the planet was a driving factor for “going green.”

Chris Eagle, commercial manager at EnergyChoices.co.uk said: “These new energy efficiency figures are good news, however more needs to be done to educate consumers about the benefits of insulation. In the long-term having your house insulated will prove to be the biggest bill-saver.”

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