The government needs to put the power to control energy usage firmly in the hands of the homeowner, according to one industry expert.

And Alastair Ramsey, sustainable development manager at commercial electrical installation experts Legrand, also suggested legislation the government needs to bring in to make the cost of being green more affordable and the energy system fairer for consumers.

"The regulations for homes simply don't go far enough," the expert said. "We need to actively rethink our stance on the use of controls, including lighting controls in regulations, if the market is even going to come close to delivering the genuine zero carbon homes.

"Such a rethink would put the power to control energy use firmly in the hands of the homeowners and I say with absolute confidence that this new-found control would be popular across the board - especially when people realise the financial savings they can and do deliver."

While the expert noted that building regulations set to be introduced in 2013 will encourage the installation of greater levels of control for new build commercial and residential buildings, those in existing properties can do their part to relinquish a little control from the energy company monopoly.

And introducing green solutions such as LED lighting is the perfect way to do so. Replacing existing bulbs with LED light bulbs - or using LED tape lighting to illuminate practical spots around the home, such as underneath kitchen cupboards and above showers, can be a cost-effective and chic green lighting solution for your property.

With rocketing fuel bills a result of the current Big Six suppliers monopolising the energy market, more homeowners are looking to invest in green products and solutions such as insulation to help control their monthly costs.

And it's a solution that could well become more popular over the next few years, as TrendForce's latest prediction forecasts a £1.21 billion increase in spending on commercial LED lighting as energy-efficiency awareness spreads and more households become familiar with the latest advances in LED technology.