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Tory Energy Price Cap
Promise - 62% of households paying too much for their energy bills
IN an unprecedented piece of new regulation, the
Conservative government are expected to introduce an energy price cap that would
save millions of households hundreds of pounds on their household bills each
year. Currently, households who don't shop around for better rates are
automatically put on the default, higher energy tariff. A recent survey
conducted by Westland London, dealers in antique fireplaces, revealed that 62%
of Brits don't have the energy to shop around for better rates meaning they are
paying an average of ₤180 more, per year on their energy bills.
According to the survey, of the 2,000 people asked, only 38% make the effort to
shop around on comparison sites to find the best rate, while the remaining
majority endured an average loss of ₤180 per household, per year, which went up
to an average of over ₤200 in areas such as the North East and Yorkshire. That
means that the majority of people in the UK are paying almost 20% more on gas
and electricity than they need to.
The energy savers and the energy spenders varied from region to region. The
South West came out on top, with 43% scouting for a better deal to save around
₤164 a year, while the Scots were revealed to be the least savvy, with 71%
losing out on an average of ₤183 per annum. Westland London's infographic maps
out where the biggest losers are in the UK, illustrating the average potential
fuel savings and the % of households who are not looking for better deals.
Despite a handful of thrifty energy users, it seems that for the majority of us,
energy bills are the last thing on our mind. Stats revealed that only 32% of
people check their bills on a regular basis and a miniscule 22% actually know
the rate they are paying. But besides energy cost, with the current
environmental climate, energy source and energy usage should also be a concern.
Heating is the main culprit when it comes to energy expenditure and contributes
to a staggering 61% of the total usage, which is why it is the 1st place we
should be looking to make changes. And according to the survey, ½ of us are,
with 50% of people having said they had looked into a more environmentally
friendly way to heat their home.
"With the price of gas and electricity on the up and up, it makes sense
that people are looking to alternative fuel sources when it comes to heating
their homes. Installing a wood burning fireplace is not only set to save you on
your energy bills, but the environmental impact is far lower, and it serves as a
timelessly beautiful feature in your home. The crackling flames of an open
fireplace bring about a feeling of warmth and nostalgia that you just don't get
from gas or electricity. And you're bound to feel extra warm inside knowing that
you'll be saving on your bills; and the knowledge that you are using a renewable
fuel source." explains Anthony Bridgman from Westland London.
How energy savvy are you at home? Have you thought about switching to wood?
Westland London have a range of antique fireplaces that will suit any home.
Save energy - 10 simple tips...
► Use energy saving light bulbs; this could save you over 80% (₤240 a year).
► Fit double glazing; this could reduce your heat loss by 50%.
► Get solar panels to save a 3rd on your electricity bills.
► Compare gas and electricity prices to make sure you are on the cheapest
possible tariff.
► Insulate the loft; to reduce wasted heat, cut your heating bills and reduce
carbon emissions.
► Eliminate drafts and holes around the home with acrylic latex / expanding
foam.
► Turn off and unplug all your electrical appliances when you're not using them.
► Putting your thermostat down by 1° could help you save as much as ₤60 per
year!
► Use the economy setting on your washing machine and wash your clothes on 30 or
40 degrees wherever possible.
► Wash your dishes by hand rather than dishwasher wherever possible. |
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Lonely Bouquets set to cheer
up the UK
THOUSANDS OF bouquets are set to flood
the streets of the UK to celebrate National Flower Arranging Day.
Lonely Bouquets; created by members of the National Association of Flower
Arrangement Societies; are annually left around the country on 5 May 2017, which
finders can pick up and take home for free.
And this year there will be even more arrangements than ever before, as the
Women's Institute joins forces with NAFAS to mark the special day.
NAFAS has around 60,000 members across the UK, while around 200,000 people are
part of the WI; meaning there could be tens of thousands of free flowers for
people to take home.
The aim of the Lonely Bouquets is to make people smile, with the only
"repayment"
for finders is to post pictures on the NAFAS social media pages, highlighting
the flowers and where they found them.
In previous years bouquets have been left at landmarks around the country,
including on the steps of 10 Downing Street, but are equally likely to be found
everywhere from park benches to car parks.
And the hope is that once again people will look out for the bunches of flowers
and join in with the spirit of the day.
Former florist of the year and NAFAS member, Simon Lycett, is usually one of the
1st people to leave a Lonely Bouquet, as he makes an early morning visit to
Covent Garden flower market.
"I am passionate about The Lonely Bouquet campaign,"
"It is kindness that helped my career take off in the 1st place and I
firmly believe in repaying that kindness. I am always ready to help NAFAS in
every way I can to promote this fabulous goodwill between strangers. With a
Lonely Bouquet, you can help spread the love back. We're not saving lives, but
we can take off the rough edges and put some joy into others' lives with this
thoughtful floral gesture." said Simon.
Anyone who finds a Lonely Bouquet is asked to post a picture on Facebook at:- Nafas_flowers, @nafas_flowers on twitter or nafas_flowerarrangers on Instagram
and use the hashtags #nafaslonelybouquet and #wilonelybouquet.
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