Consumers need to take energy spend into their own hands, says sustainable charity
Consumers need to take energy spend into their own hands, says sustainable charity
Energy costs just keep on truckin', as rising prices in recent months mean that many households are feeling the pinch. And that's not the least of it: according to consumer forecasts by price comparison site uSwitch.com, energy costs are set to become 'unaffordable' within the next three years, as average household bills are set to break the £1,500 per year mark by 2015.
However, it's not just the energy companies' pricing schemes that are causing prices to rise - according to one sustainable solutions expert, householders need to be more aware of how they are spending their energy and adjust their behaviour appropriately.
"The majority of householders are completely disengaged with the energy system," said low-carbon charity Carbon Leapfrog consultant Sarah Inge Parker this week. "They don't change suppliers and don't [check] their meters - they rely on estimated readings.
"For them, energy is not that important. For the majority of people, it is a relatively small amount of disposable income."
And speaking at the SustainabilityLive event in Birmingham, the expert urged consumers to pressure their suppliers and take control of their own energy usage to minimise both costs and environmental impact.
"If you don't have actively engaged customers who are pushing their suppliers to do better, then it is very hard for the regulators to take any action," she said.
"Smart meters won't be enough and the concern is that, if there is a lack of confidence in the Green Deal, then consumers won't be given the tools and regulatory framework so that they can actually change their patterns of behaviour.
"We have to promote that step towards a more active engagement with the energy system."
If you're worried about spiralling energy costs or just hoping to take control of the way electricity is used in your household, then switching out traditional incandescents for LED light bulbs is a step in the right direction.
LED lighting offers a soothing, natural illumination that provides the same brightness as traditional bulbs and daylight without the energy cost.