Simple way to reduce fuel bills

Published on 27/05/2012 00:00

THE media coverage resulting from last week’s draft Energy Bill, announced by energy minister Ed Davey on Tuesday, was predictable. It focused on the need to “keep the UK’s lights on”, as if the Winter of Discontent of yore would become a permanent feature as we travel further into the 21st century.

This was encouraged by Davey’s announcement which emphasised that the £100bn investment needed would “keep the lights on”, as well as helping us meet green targets. However, the simple route was not emphasised, which is to encourage reduction of electricity usage. This is something in which every person, where possible, can play their part – reducing individual carbon outputs reduces collective outputs, and energy bills.

Demand reduction, both in terms of energy reduction and demand-side response to smooth out peaks in demand, is a crucial part of the reforms to the energy market; its importance must be given prominence at every opportunity.

Robert Sansom, Institution of Engineering & Technology