LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — (Marketwire) — 03/21/12 — With the development of new meters and the introduction of flexible tariffs, high energy bills could soon become a thing of the past. Consumers will no longer have to wait for bills to arrive in order to see how much they owe to energy providers, and will be able to monitor their own power usage, allowing them to use fewer appliances at specific times.
Look and learn
Smart meters are innovative devices that send energy readings directly to the firm that supplies your gas and electricity. This means that when bills are calculated, the energy provider doesn–t have to rely on estimates and is able to calculate energy usage costs with a greater degree of accuracy. Another advantage of having a smart meter installed in your home is that monitors allow you to see how much power you use throughout the day. If you find that there is a particular period where usage significantly increases, you are able to reduce the number of appliances in operation to cut energy bills or install alternatives like . According to government figures (1), plans to install 53 million smart meters in UK homes could save householders GBP 7.3 billion.
Keep tabs on tariffs
Most energy companies have a selection of tariffs, and searching for the one that best suits your lifestyle could help you manage your finances more easily. Schemes which require a fixed payment every month for a specific length of time may appeal to homeowners who like to know how much money is leaving their accounts on a regular basis. Other tariffs can provide different payment options and flexibility, allowing consumers to swap between different schemes.
Assess to save
An increasingly popular way to establish how much energy your home uses and wastes is to conduct a domestic energy audit. According to the results of a USwitch (2) poll, 63% of homeowners admit to wasting energy, but just 11% have tried to adapt their lifestyles to boost their energy efficiency. The reality is that many householders are unaware of where they are using the most power and where it is going to waste. Whilst smart meters and monitors may give an indication of your situation, a home energy audit can supply a much fuller picture. A typical assessment may look at a property–s insulation and the kinds of appliances owned and used, in addition to other specifics such as boiler servicing. As well as drawing attention to energy wastage, an assessment can sometimes include tips and advice on how to conserve power and dramatically cut your utility outgoings.
Contacts:
Felicity Callaghan
+44 (0)7769 542 360