New TV series will show us how to save energy

A new TV series - 'How to… Reduce Energy Consumption & Save Money' reckoned it could tell the average British household how to save up to £1,500 per year.

With the much reported energy rises you'd think saving energy and reducing energy bills would be top of everybody's list but you'd be wrong.

The shows makers report that only 6 out of 10 households made any attempt to reduce energy or water consumption in 2010, which means 10.6 million households did nothing - an estimated £6.2 billion (or £592 per household) evaporating into thin air.

Its also estimated that the average household will spend £650 on winter fuel bills this winter - that's up 18% compared to last year.

Of the 10.6 million households that did nothing to reduce their energy or water usage, 7/10 blamed busy home lives, lack of time or small financial return.

4/10 said they had no spare cash to make alterations that would reduce bills and nearly a third said that as tenants, it wasn't their responsibility.

A further third said they didn't believe in global warming whilst one in ten households claimed they didn't know cutting back was possible in order to save money.

7/10 homes still admitted to leaving household appliances like TV's and game consoles (the worst offenders) on standby, clocking up an extra 17.5 hours a say. Closely followed by dishwashers (9 hours), washing machines (6 hours) and tumble driers (2 hours).

The programme's first episode aired on the 18th January to be followed by a further 7 weekly episodes on Sky Showcase etc. It includes advice from experts at Waterwise and the Energy Saving Trust.

Published in our 24th January home owner newsletter - see the full newsletter here.

photo credit: edwart visser

Cheap energy deals are disappearing fast

The cheapest online deals don't stay around forever. Suppliers will remove tariffs once they meet their quotas, so don't miss out by delaying.

Most of us are still on needlessly expensive standard tariffs! These cost a whopping £300 more on average per year than cheaper online deals. To take advantage of the cheaper offers all you have to do is manage your account online or via e-mail and generally pay by Direct Debit. It could not be simpler, and there will be absolutely no disruption.

Even if rates go up you'll still be quids-in. Online deals are so much cheaper, you'll be saving even if their prices increase! You can always switch again if you find that there's an even cheaper deal available. Waiting for your supplier or other suppliers to change prices will only cost you money.

Winter is here (in case anyone wasn't sure)! The switching process can take up to two months. If you don't make the switch now, it means that by the time winter’s high usage bills hit you, you will still be on the most expensive rates.

Specialist energy price comparison service theswitchinghelpline.com do all the shopping around for you. They'll find you the best deal based on your individual circumstances.

(taken from our weekly newsletter 06/12/10 - read it here)