Energy Prices Rise But Still Energy Is Wasted

Despite rising energy prices many families still waste energy, with the children and Mum getting blamed for wasting the most.

Acording to research from uSwitch.com, families are blaming each other for their energy bills. Mum gets a good chunk of the blame but the children too are big culprits for wasting energy.

Of course energy is heavily used for cooking, heating and lighting but after these the most energy is used for watching TV and using laptops or PCs.

Even more energy though is wasted as many of the technology gadgets are left on even when not in use. Even leaving them on standby consumes energy.

Whilst people are aware of this waste they don’t seem willing to take action, preferring to blame others for the problem.

It wouldn’t take much to save money through switching things off and taking advantage of energy efficient devices.

Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, says: “In the face of rising energy bills and our ever-growing love affair with electronic gadgets within the home, consumers can no longer afford to waste energy.

2011 is going to be a very difficult year for family finances so it’s time to plug the holes and fill the gaps where money is trickling away. Ensuring that energy doesn’t go to waste is a very easy saving.

“Energy efficiency can start with simple steps, such as turning things off when they are not in use or using energy monitors or a standby saver.

The bigger steps, such as insulating your home or installing a new energy efficient boiler are more costly, but arguably deliver a greater return. Before taking these, it’s worth speaking to your energy supplier to see what advice they can give and to find out whether you would qualify for any financial support to help you with the cost.”

It’s not though just about cutting down on the amount used it’s also about ensuring you are paying the best energy price for your needs.

As Ann Robinson adds “Moving to dual fuel, paying by direct debit and signing up to an online plan will cut around £220 a year off the average bill. Add in a few energy efficiency measures and households could very easily turn the clock back on their energy bills, taking them back to pre-2008 levels.”