Making the right choice

12 April 2013

Consumers now more empowered to make right choices over energy consumption, says Green Energy UK

One green electricity provider has analysed the energy usage of the average British household and believes despite its continued growth, consumers are now much better equipped to tackle the issue of wasted energy head on, thanks to new technologies and a better understanding of energy saving measures. Green Energy UK, which buys and sells 100 per cent sustainable energy, however, thinks that the considerations people make when buying a new car should be applied to purchases for the home and office.

“We applaud the modern innovations that make life more comfortable and enjoyable; all we suggest is that the purchase of each item be assessed on its energy efficiency – just as you would on the fuel economy and running costs of a car and even the energy efficiency of your new home,” says Doug Stewart CEO of Green Energy UK. “It has been reported that petrol sales have decreased by 20 per cent over the past five years - this is because consumers have been forced or chosen to use the car less, or not at all, because of spiralling costs.”

Green Energy UK has released a visual of the modern home, illustrating how 21st Century energy use has peaked with the introduction of new electronics and luxuries. Innovations over the past 40 years such as immersion heating, Wi-Fi, computers, smartphones, tablets, and even tumble driers has meant energy usage has increased by 54 per cent since 1970. Today, an average 41 electrical devices are now in the home and over the same period (40 years), consumption for consumer electronics has risen by 369 per cent.

Doug adds: “We all know that there are things we can do to decrease our energy usage like putting a stop to charging devices overnight, running appliances that are more energy efficient and not leaving TVs on standby. Most valuably the way we think about using energy can be the greatest saver of all. If we come to view consumption in the home as we do with our motor vehicles, then thinking twice about ‘switching on or not’ can have major repercussions.

“In the short term that means lighter energy bills each month. Longer term, decreasing consumption will give us time to create new renewable technologies for harvesting green fuel which will help limit our dependence on fossil fuels, nuclear power and overseas imports.” The modern day energy usage visual depicts the introduction of everyday commodities alongside trends in technology and comparisons from the past 40 years. For more information visit (link to visual).