Cost of energy 'makes Brits go green'

05/05/2009

Hard-up householders are joining the green revolution - but only because they're trying to save money on their energy.

According to new figures from price comparison site uSwitch.com, four in five homes are now more energy efficient than they were a year ago.

However, 36 per cent of households said that the main reason to "go green" was higher energy costs, while just nine per cent said they were cutting gas and electricity use for environmental reasons.

Either way, green campaigners are likely to welcome news that nine in ten homes are now switching off lights behind them, four in five are making sure only to fill the kettle with the amount of water they need and over two-thirds shutting off electric gadgets at the socket rather than leaving them on standby.

All of these measures are recommended by green groups - because they cut down on overall energy emissions levels.

Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com, said: "Consumers are reacting to the recession and the high cost of energy by cutting back on energy usage.

"Consumers who are worried about costs can cut their energy bills by ensuring they are paying the lowest possible price for their energy and learning to use less of it. Move to dual fuel, pay by direct debit and sign up to an online energy plan to save up to £350 on your annual household energy bill."

Tags; Housing Debt and Bills, Young Family Finances, Retirement Money Problems,

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