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Tory Energy Price Cap
Promise - 62% of households paying too much for their energy bills
IN an unprecedented piece of new regulation, the
Conservative government are expected to introduce an energy price cap that would
save millions of households hundreds of pounds on their household bills each
year. Currently, households who don't shop around for better rates are
automatically put on the default, higher energy tariff. A recent survey
conducted by Westland London, dealers in antique fireplaces, revealed that 62%
of Brits don't have the energy to shop around for better rates meaning they are
paying an average of ₤180 more, per year on their energy bills.
According to the survey, of the 2,000 people asked, only 38% make the effort to
shop around on comparison sites to find the best rate, while the remaining
majority endured an average loss of ₤180 per household, per year, which went up
to an average of over ₤200 in areas such as the North East and Yorkshire. That
means that the majority of people in the UK are paying almost 20% more on gas
and electricity than they need to.
The energy savers and the energy spenders varied from region to region. The
South West came out on top, with 43% scouting for a better deal to save around
₤164 a year, while the Scots were revealed to be the least savvy, with 71%
losing out on an average of ₤183 per annum. Westland London's infographic maps
out where the biggest losers are in the UK, illustrating the average potential
fuel savings and the % of households who are not looking for better deals.
Despite a handful of thrifty energy users, it seems that for the majority of us,
energy bills are the last thing on our mind. Stats revealed that only 32% of
people check their bills on a regular basis and a miniscule 22% actually know
the rate they are paying. But besides energy cost, with the current
environmental climate, energy source and energy usage should also be a concern.
Heating is the main culprit when it comes to energy expenditure and contributes
to a staggering 61% of the total usage, which is why it is the 1st place we
should be looking to make changes. And according to the survey, ½ of us are,
with 50% of people having said they had looked into a more environmentally
friendly way to heat their home.
"With the price of gas and electricity on the up and up, it makes sense
that people are looking to alternative fuel sources when it comes to heating
their homes. Installing a wood burning fireplace is not only set to save you on
your energy bills, but the environmental impact is far lower, and it serves as a
timelessly beautiful feature in your home. The crackling flames of an open
fireplace bring about a feeling of warmth and nostalgia that you just don't get
from gas or electricity. And you're bound to feel extra warm inside knowing that
you'll be saving on your bills; and the knowledge that you are using a renewable
fuel source." explains Anthony Bridgman from Westland London.
How energy savvy are you at home? Have you thought about switching to wood?
Westland London have a range of antique fireplaces that will suit any home.
Save energy - 10 simple tips...
► Use energy saving light bulbs; this could save you over 80% (₤240 a year).
► Fit double glazing; this could reduce your heat loss by 50%.
► Get solar panels to save a 3rd on your electricity bills.
► Compare gas and electricity prices to make sure you are on the cheapest
possible tariff.
► Insulate the loft; to reduce wasted heat, cut your heating bills and reduce
carbon emissions.
► Eliminate drafts and holes around the home with acrylic latex / expanding
foam.
► Turn off and unplug all your electrical appliances when you're not using them.
► Putting your thermostat down by 1? could help you save as much as ₤60 per
year!
► Use the economy setting on your washing machine and wash your clothes on 30 or
40 degrees wherever possible.
► Wash your dishes by hand rather than dishwasher wherever possible. |
