NPOWER FOLLOWS BRITISH GAS PRICE HIKES
Energy efficiency key to tackling problem for millions
npower has announced that the cost of gas is set to increase by 12.6% from October. Dual fuel users will be hardest hit as the company’s electricity charges are also set to rise by 6.1%.
The energy giant’s price hike – its second this year – will see customers facing an annual increase of up to £130 for their gas and electricity bills. The charges will mainly affect consumers in London and the South East, with Londoners set to be the hardest hit. Bill comparison service uSwitch claims that gas bills in the capital will rise by an average 12.6% and electricity bills by 11.7%.
Householders are being urged to protect themselves against gas and electricity price increases by introducing simple energy efficient measures into the home, which will help reduce energy bills.
Mark Randall, of the Anglia West Energy Advice Centre, said: "Adopting energy efficiency measures is the principal weapon in the battle to substantially reduce energy bills for all UK households. The continued price rises in the energy industry are bad news for millions of UK families and action is needed to address escalating fuel bills and improve the quality of our homes.
"Simple measures such as switching to energy efficient lightbulbs can help homes offset the latest energy supplier price hikes, and even bigger savings can be made by insulating your loft and walls and installing efficient heating systems," Mr Randall said.
Switching televisions & videos off standby and draught proofing will also help reduce the amount of fuel used in the home, therefore reducing carbon dioxide emissions and lessening the impact of higher energy bills on the household.
Financial grants are available to help meet the cost of making homes more energy efficient. For more information about the grants available across the United Kingdom log onto the Energy Saving Trust’s website www.saveenergy.co.uk) or call the Local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on 0800 512012.
-ends-
For further information please contact:
Mark Randall
Anglia West EEAC
33a Westgate
Peterborough
Cambs
PE3 6BY
Tel: 01733 566910
Email:mrandall@aweeac.co.uk
Summary
The Energy Saving Trust (EST) was set up by the UK Government after the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and is one of the UK’s leading organisations addressing the damaging affects of climate change. It aims to cut carbon dioxide emissions by promoting the sustainable and efficient use of energy. EST is a non-profit organisation funded by government and the private sector.
The Energy Saving Trust provides free, impartial advice on how to make your home more energy efficient and save money on household bills
10 September 2004