Member Article

Geordies More Canny Over Energy

Tynesiders have shown just how canny they are when it comes to how they save energy, latest research from British Gas suggests.

Almost half of people surveyed said they were energy savvy and try not to waste energy in their home, whilst 87 percent also said that they would change their energy habits if it meant making savings on their bill.

Almost half (43.5 percent) of local people claimed that they would like energy saving to become a priority in their home. That’s why British Gas has launched its first-ever Energy Challenge offering practical energy-saving advice to consumers in Newcastle.

The Energy Challenge launched at intu Eldon Square this week offering residents the opportunity to take the ‘60 Second Energy Challenge’ to find out how they could improve energy usage at home.

Many residents are not aware of the big savings that can be achieved by insulating their homes. Just 2.5 percent of people from Newcastle knew that installing insulation can save an average of more than £150 and up to £270 on their energy bills each year.

The poll shows that people are taking more steps to save energy with almost a third aware of the availability of smart meters. More than 21,000 have already been installed in homes in Newcastle.

Tony Sansom, British Gas Smart Energy Expert from Longbenton was on hand to talk about the benefits of smart meters, together with Stephanie Walker from Westerhope to provide tips on winter warmth. Newcastle TV star Tim Healy was also there with shoppers as they took the ‘60 Second Energy Challenge’.

Tim Healy says: “It’s fantastic to see that people on Tyneside are becoming much more energy aware. Making some simple changes in the home can make a real difference to monthly bills and there is no better time of year than now to set yourself the challenge of introducing a few smart household habits.”

Stuart Margerrison, Director of Community Energy at British Gas, added: “It’s great to see that so many people from Newcastle are looking to make changes to save energy and get their bills down.

“The 60 Second Energy Challenge will help people living in Newcastle be more aware about how they use energy and offer simple and practical tips to reduce their energy use.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Newcastle Energy Challenge .