UK consumers urged to save £96m-a-week

A whopping £96 million worth of wasted energy a week could be saved if consumers in the UK take a few simple cost-saving steps.

The latest statistics, released by the Energy Saving Trust (EST), ahead of Energy Efficiency Week - September 22 to 28 - revealed that the average UK citizen does not believe that their energy usage is harming the environment or their own pocket.

But Chief Executive of EST, Philip Sellwood, believes that there has never been a more pressing need to address the "reckless" consumption of energy in the home.

“Consumers often fail to make the connection between their consumption of energy at home and the impact this has on our environment,” he said.

“Domestic energy usage is on the increase; our own homes are now the largest contributor to carbon dioxide emissions in the UK, accounting for a massive 26% of the UK total.

“Whilst energy efficiency should begin in the home, HM Treasury has failed to introduce any fiscal incentives for homeowners over the last two years.

"Without these measures the government risks moving further away from its commitment, laid down in the Energy White Paper, to deliver a substantial cut in carbon dioxide emissions”

During Energy Efficiency Week, EST is calling upon the government to lower VAT to 5% on A-rated boilers, energy efficient appliances and other energy efficient products, making them more affordable for consumers.

EST is urging the public to take part in the UK’s first National Energy Pledge by adopting five simple measures during Energy Efficiency Week:

• Swap one incandescent light bulb for an energy efficient one and save the UK £1.5 million a week
• Turn down your thermostat by one degree centigrade and save the UK £14 million a week
• Switch off your TV, video, DVD and digibox at the end of the day and save the UK £3.5 million a week
• Turn the lights out when leaving a room and save the UK nearly £250,000 a week
• Boil enough water in your kettle as is needed and save the UK £1 million a week.

Among the biggest savings householders can make is by installing cavity wall insulation, installing an energy efficient condensing boiler, and replacing old or buying new kitchen appliances with Energy Efficient Recommended appliances.

According to the EST, these three measures combined could save a staggering £3.6 billion annually.

(SP)