High energy prices are helping to turn us green

The recession and high energy prices are helping us to turn green and there are rewarding mircrogeneration options available as npower highlights.

According to research by uSwitch.com, nearly 80% of households feel they are more energy efficient than a year ago.

However 36% say this is down to the higher energy prices.

The good news is

• over 90% of households switch off lights when they’re not needed
• almost 80% only fill the kettle with the required amount of water
• 69% no longer leave electrical appliances on standby

The worry though is that whilst a greener lifestyle is being achieved it is not being driven by environmental issues.

Households are concerned about tightened budgets and as a result are reluctant to invest money at this time in anything that results in even a short term cost, even if it would lead to longer-term energy efficiency.

Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, Ann Robinson, said ‘This is a double-edged sword. 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, are confused about what is available and don’t understand the savings they could make.’

So what are the energy efficiency options?

One is microgeneration, the new name for solar power.

Solar thermal collectors heat your water and photovoltaic panels take care of your other electrical needs.

Producing 100% clean energy, the solar power is controlled and distributed around your home, effectively just as with a standard electricity meter.

To help understand this, in this video, produced by npower, Oliver Heath, presenter of ITV’s Dream Homes considers the mircrogeneration option and looks at the benefits available.

Maybe installing a microgeneration system is a step too far for you at the moment.

Another option is to make sure you minimise the amount you do pay for your energy.

By moving to dual fuel, paying by direct debit and signing up to an online energy plan you can save money on your energy bills.

Use the services of such as uSwitch.com, a free, impartial comparison servce that helps customers compare prices on a range of services, including gas and electricity supplies, to enable them to select the best deal to suit their needs.