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News Report Page 11 of 11
Publication Date:-
2021-06-06
News reports located on this page = 2.

Are you 1 of the many confused over green energy?

NEW research released by British Gas reveals that when it comes to green energy, 15% believe that when switching to a green energy tariff, the energy itself is supplied from a different green network. In fact, the energy supplied arrives in the same way and through the same pipes and wires, but the supplier matches electricity or gas usage with the equivalent amount of renewable energy or offsets. And it seems that this confusion is putting people off from switching to a greener tariff. 28% said that if they understood more about where their energy was coming from, they would be more likely to go green. 23% said that they find the jargon around green energy daunting.

The research of 2,000 people showed that while there were misunderstandings over tariffs and supply, 49% are interested in the sustainability credentials of the products they buy, with almost 1 in 3 interested in changing to a green tariff. According to Ofgem's Household Consumer Perception of the energy market survey the importance of green energy tariffs for consumer choice increased from just 9% in 2019 to 19% this year

Sustainability continues to be a driver for some with 14% respondents reporting they had stopped using a product or service because it was non-sustainable. In addition, a small, but significant, proportion of energy consumers (12%) say that their primary reason for switching supplier in the last 5 years was for sustainability related reasons, now slightly more than for customer services related issues (11%), whilst cost remains the primary reason for 72%.

While 45% of respondents stated they would change to a green tariff if it cost the same as their existing deal, it seems that sustainability is a more vital factor influencing younger customers' purchasing behaviour. 21% of 18 to 24 year olds would be willing to pay a premium for sustainable energy, falling to just 7% of 45 to 54 year olds.

When asked about the measures people would be willing to consider to be more 'green,' 25% said they were thinking about buying an electric vehicle (hybrid or full electric), installing a heat pump (12%) and researching how to offset their carbon footprint (20%).

However, the figures show that 27% admitted they do not understand how carbon offsetting works. 32% said they would find it easier to understand if these benefits were actually quantified. Through the future Green Future tariff, British Gas matches 100% of the electricity customers use with UK based renewable sources, such as UK wind and solar, and 100% of customers carbon dioxide footprint from gas is balanced by carbon cutting projects around the world (90%), and renewable biogas made from food and farm waste (10%). British Gas pledges to protect 5 UK trees for every customer on electricity and a further 5 trees for those on gas. On average, 5 trees will save 5 tonnes of carbon dioxide during its full lifetime, 5 tonnes is equal to driving 30,000 km in a diesel car.

Interestingly, 26% said they would rather buy and use sustainable energy generated in their local community and two in five (39%) said they would be interested to find out how they could buy and use sustainable energy in their area. Centrica (British Gas parent company) recently concluded the UK's largest trial of energy flexibility in Cornwall in November 2020. Over 3 years, they saw over 200 homes and businesses trading energy stored from local distributed renewable energy sources, with greenhouse gas savings of nearly 10,000 tonnes a year as a result. With demand for local energy combined with a smart energy trading system, this trial paves the way for a smarter grid that is better able to accommodate renewable energy.

James Rushen, Group Head of Environment at Centrica comments:- "It's clear that until recently many people have not been thinking about where their energy comes from and this may have led to some misconceptions on supply when switching supplier and the sustainability of the energy itself. The good news is that we are starting to see growing interest in sustainable energy from our customers. We are committed to transparency and are focused on helping our customers better understand energy to enable them to make more sustainable choices. Our market leading Green Futures tariff is one of only 2 green tariffs to achieve the USwitch Gold Accreditation. This is because we have worked to ensure it is 100% backed by:- renewable electricity contracts, carbon reduction projects, green gas and high quality tree planting and management projects. We are committed to making a meaningful difference to local communities and helping them to make lower carbon choices." As we start to think about a brighter 2021, we are excited at the opportunities sustainable energy presents and it's encouraging to know our customers and the wider community are keen to explore new green options."

So what do you think about this? Please do let us know by emailing us to:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com.

Unless otherwise stated, figures taken from omnibus research carried out by One Poll on behalf of British Gas. This was an online poll of:- 2,000 UK adults (nationally representative sample). The research was conducted between:- 11 March and 15 March 2021.


Bill Esterson MP calls on developer to address residents' concerns at Formby building site

SEFTON, Wednesday 2 June: After 2 housing developers wrote to residents in Formby, Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson has called them to work with residents to address concerns about vibration and noise. Bill Esterson said the letter to residents from Barratts and David Wilson Homes was a step in the right direction, but it has come far too late. The developers told residents they would be using:- "CFA piling," which they say offers a much reduced level of vibration.

Commenting, MP for Sefton Central Bill Esterson said:- "The offer from the developers is a step in the right direction, but I have to ask why it was not considered by the developer when the building work 1st began? Residents in this area tell me that have had to live with excessive noise, vibration, site vehicles blocking pavements and illegal Sunday working, since this development started. The developers also removed a hedgerow and garden because of a lack of care and attention. A number of my constituents have told me they fear their homes have already suffered damage from the vibration. The planning system was changed by the Conservative Government and their Lib Dem coalition allies, back in 2012. The changes made it easier for developers and harder for local people to have their voices heard. I will continue to work with residents and the developer. I am pleased on behalf of the residents of Formby that the developer has responded to the request for better arrangements."

To read the letter, please click on here now.

 

 
      
 
   
 
 
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