Families are squandering up to £86 a year on electricity bills by leaving gadgets on standby or plugged in but not in use, a study suggests.
Researchers calculated that not switching off computers, televisions and other electronic devices can account for up to 16 per cent of the average electricity bill.
But while we are happy to let electricity seep from our sets when not catching up with our favourite shows, it appears we also spend an average six hours a day glued to the box – an hour more than previously thought.
The study, by the Energy Saving Trust and two government departments, has revealed that Brits are wasting far more energy than previously thought, sparking a wave of concern among environmentalists and ministers.
Across the UK, households could be losing £1.3 billion by not fully switching off their various electronic devices.
The study, which closely monitored the electricity use of 250 homes, found that the households were spending between £50 and £86 on gadgets in a 'non-active' or standby state, equivalent to 9 per cent to 16 per cent of the average electricity bill.
The research also found that people were watching more television than previously thought, with the TV on for more than six hours a day rather than the previous estimate of five hours on average.
This could mean that the UK as a whole is watching 10 billion hours more TV a year than estimated, adding £205 million to electricity bills across the country.
The research, which only followed people who owned the home they lived in, also found single-person households were using as much, or sometimes more, electricity to run appliances for cooking and laundry as average families.
This could have 'troubling' implications for efforts to cut electricity use, if the trend towards increasing numbers of lone households continues, the report’s authors warn. Almost a third (29 per cent) of homes were one-person households in 2010.
The study also revealed UK households run an average of five and a half washes a week, and homes with a tumble dryer use it for four-fifths of laundry cycles rather than using outdoor washing lines or indoor drying racks.
Running a washing machine and tumble dryer costs on average £80 a year, not including the cost of detergents and fabric softeners.
And even more energy is used for keeping kitchenware clean, with households that have dishwashers using on average nearly double the amount of electricity on them than on washing machines, the report revealed.
Elsewhere in the home, families were spending an average of £35 on powering their computer use, with laptops much cheaper to run than desktop computers.
And households were spending around £68 on electricity for consumer electronics such as TVs, DVD players, hi-fis and radios, but those with the latest 'home cinema' style set-ups could be paying out more than £300 a year to power them.
Philip Sellwood, chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust (EST), said: 'It’s crucial that households across the nation can make informed decisions by having the right advice to help them reduce their energy usage and fuel bills.
'This research shows that there’s still more work to be done with consumer advice, product innovation and take-up of energy efficiency labelling.'
He said the EST was working through its Energy Saving Trust Recommended labelling scheme to help consumers spot the most energy efficient appliances.
The Government said it was working with the EU to make sure green energy labels are displayed on all new electrical appliances to provide clear and easily recognisable advice for consumers.
The Powering the Nation report revealed that the households studied were using around 10 per cent more than average UK energy use, even though they were homes where residents said they were careful about their energy habits.
Energy used to heat and power homes accounts for over a quarter of the UK’s carbon emissions.
Environment minister Lord Taylor said: 'As this survey shows we are using a lot more energy than previously thought.
'Manufacturers need to develop more energy efficient electrical products and help consumers save money and the environment.
'We can all do simple things like switching off our televisions, computers and other home electronics and save up to £85 on electricity bills each year.'
Energy and climate change minister Greg Barker said: 'Using energy more wisely in our homes will not only cut carbon but will also help save money on bills.
'But first we need to really understand how we use this energy in order to become more energy wise.
'This report provides vital insights into what is happening on the ground, highlighting the need for more energy efficient household electrical appliances and indicating which appliances contribute most to electricity demand at peak times.'
26/06/2012 - dailymail.co.uk
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Friday, 29 June 2012
Thursday, 28 June 2012
British Gas has this week brought out a “radical” new bill design and a new tariff which it says will simplify charges for its domestic customers
British Gas has this week brought out a “radical” new bill design and a new tariff which it says will simplify charges for its domestic customers.
It comes as part of a government shake-up of the retail energy market, called the Retail Market Review, designed to make the sector better for customers.
The new tariff will be available to the supplier’s new customers. It offers a single unit rate for use alongside a fixed standing charge, removing the complex Tier 1 and Tier 2 tariff system.
British Gas says this will make it easier for customers to compare its tariffs with those of other suppliers.
Ian Peters, Managing Director of energy at British Gas said: “For most customers, energy bills are the single most important communication they receive from British Gas. They are the key to understanding exactly what’s been used, and what it’s costing.”
British Gas says all key information on bills will be visible in one glance, while it will bring in a comparison table on a new-style annual statements which tell customers how much they have spent on an existing tariff and if there is a cheaper one available.
This doesn’t quite go as far as others such as EDF which has promised to tell customers if they are paying £2 or more on their bills than with another supplier.
28/06/2012 - energylivenews.com
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It comes as part of a government shake-up of the retail energy market, called the Retail Market Review, designed to make the sector better for customers.
The new tariff will be available to the supplier’s new customers. It offers a single unit rate for use alongside a fixed standing charge, removing the complex Tier 1 and Tier 2 tariff system.
British Gas says this will make it easier for customers to compare its tariffs with those of other suppliers.
Ian Peters, Managing Director of energy at British Gas said: “For most customers, energy bills are the single most important communication they receive from British Gas. They are the key to understanding exactly what’s been used, and what it’s costing.”
British Gas says all key information on bills will be visible in one glance, while it will bring in a comparison table on a new-style annual statements which tell customers how much they have spent on an existing tariff and if there is a cheaper one available.
This doesn’t quite go as far as others such as EDF which has promised to tell customers if they are paying £2 or more on their bills than with another supplier.
28/06/2012 - energylivenews.com
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Tuesday, 26 June 2012
British Gas launches bill for dummies
British Gas is the first energy provider to launch a new “billing for dummies” system, designed to help all customers understand what they have been charged for, and whether they would benefit from a cheaper tariff.
At the same time the energy giant is introducing a new charging structure, which will have a single unit rate and one standing charge, replacing the two-tier tariff system, which has made it difficult for many people to calculate how their meter readings relate to the amounts charged on their bill.
While this new charging system will only be available to new customers initially, all existing British Gas users will have the option to switch to it.
Existing customers may be automatically moved to the new charging structure if Ofgem, the independent regulator, rules that utility providers have to introduce simpler charging structures as part of it current Retail Market Review.
However, all customers though will benefit from the more transparent bills, which for the first time will show the meter readings on which this bill has been based, enabling people to quickly spot whether they have been over- or undercharged.
The new bill format will also show the savings that can be made by paying by direct debit or switching to another British Gas deal, as well as giving advice on energy efficiency and other ways to save money on gas and electricity bills. This new format should also make it easier for customers to compare costs with other suppliers.
Ian Peters, the managing director of energy at British Gas said: “At a time when household budgets are under immense pressure we want to make energy bills more useful moving form a document that just about how to pay to something that’s about how to save. We want to make it simpler for customers to find ways to take control of their energy use and help keep bills down.
“Over the past six months we’ve made several changes to the way our customers buy energy, to make it more simple, transparent and fair. The new bill and the new clear and simple standing charge tariff are important next steps for us and our customers.”
25/06/2012 - telegraph.co.uk
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At the same time the energy giant is introducing a new charging structure, which will have a single unit rate and one standing charge, replacing the two-tier tariff system, which has made it difficult for many people to calculate how their meter readings relate to the amounts charged on their bill.
While this new charging system will only be available to new customers initially, all existing British Gas users will have the option to switch to it.
Existing customers may be automatically moved to the new charging structure if Ofgem, the independent regulator, rules that utility providers have to introduce simpler charging structures as part of it current Retail Market Review.
However, all customers though will benefit from the more transparent bills, which for the first time will show the meter readings on which this bill has been based, enabling people to quickly spot whether they have been over- or undercharged.
The new bill format will also show the savings that can be made by paying by direct debit or switching to another British Gas deal, as well as giving advice on energy efficiency and other ways to save money on gas and electricity bills. This new format should also make it easier for customers to compare costs with other suppliers.
Ian Peters, the managing director of energy at British Gas said: “At a time when household budgets are under immense pressure we want to make energy bills more useful moving form a document that just about how to pay to something that’s about how to save. We want to make it simpler for customers to find ways to take control of their energy use and help keep bills down.
“Over the past six months we’ve made several changes to the way our customers buy energy, to make it more simple, transparent and fair. The new bill and the new clear and simple standing charge tariff are important next steps for us and our customers.”
25/06/2012 - telegraph.co.uk
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Thursday, 21 June 2012
Electricity bills to rise by £100 a year in energy reforms
Households across Britain will be charged around £100 a year more for their electricity bills under plans to build nuclear power stations and wind farms over the next 20 years, Energy Secretary Ed Davey has revealed.
Average electricity costs are set to increase from £573 currently to £669 by 2030, according to Government figures.
Introducing the draft Energy Bill yesterday, Mr Davey said bills had to go up, but the alternative – doing nothing – would mean bills would end up £200 higher.
However, critics have claimed that without the Government’s ‘carbon floor price’ – a tax that artificially raises the cost of electricity from gas and coal power stations – energy would actually be cheaper.
But Mr Davey said: “These reforms will ensure we can keep the lights on, bills down and the air clean.”
He warned that without the reforms, there could be blackouts affecting millions of homes in years to come.
Lucy Darch, the site’s director of energy, said: “We are facing an ‘energy trilemma’ where the Government is attempting to balance security of supply,a low carbon future and affordability.
“Something has to give and unfortunately at the moment the scales are tipping away from affordability.”
Lisa Greenfield, energy analyst, said: “The Energy Secretary has freely admitted household energy bills are on the rise.
“However, as a result of the increased investment in clean energy generation methods and reducing the UK’s reliance on imported gas, such increases would actually be four per cent lower than if the UK continued to be reliant upon global markets.”
Consumer Focus said a “fine line must be walked” on the balance of the Energy Bill.
Audrey Gallacher, director of energy, said: “With a hefty price tag attached to the changes to be made, consumers need to be assured that not a penny of the funding that comes out of their bills will be wasted.”
23/05/2012 - myfinances.co.uk
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Average electricity costs are set to increase from £573 currently to £669 by 2030, according to Government figures.
Introducing the draft Energy Bill yesterday, Mr Davey said bills had to go up, but the alternative – doing nothing – would mean bills would end up £200 higher.
However, critics have claimed that without the Government’s ‘carbon floor price’ – a tax that artificially raises the cost of electricity from gas and coal power stations – energy would actually be cheaper.
But Mr Davey said: “These reforms will ensure we can keep the lights on, bills down and the air clean.”
He warned that without the reforms, there could be blackouts affecting millions of homes in years to come.
Lucy Darch, the site’s director of energy, said: “We are facing an ‘energy trilemma’ where the Government is attempting to balance security of supply,a low carbon future and affordability.
“Something has to give and unfortunately at the moment the scales are tipping away from affordability.”
Lisa Greenfield, energy analyst, said: “The Energy Secretary has freely admitted household energy bills are on the rise.
“However, as a result of the increased investment in clean energy generation methods and reducing the UK’s reliance on imported gas, such increases would actually be four per cent lower than if the UK continued to be reliant upon global markets.”
Consumer Focus said a “fine line must be walked” on the balance of the Energy Bill.
Audrey Gallacher, director of energy, said: “With a hefty price tag attached to the changes to be made, consumers need to be assured that not a penny of the funding that comes out of their bills will be wasted.”
23/05/2012 - myfinances.co.uk
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Wednesday, 20 June 2012
Galaxy S3 - The Review
Samsung’s Galaxy S3 phone has been much promoted – it is, after all, the device that will compete with Apple’s iPhone 5, and carries in many ways all Google’s best hope for its Android operating system.
I had some time with the device before it was released, and now, the day before it launches, I’ve been able to spend several days living with it. Although there are some niggles, I like it now even more than I did before.
The two most striking things about the S3 are its enormous, gorgeous screen and its surprising – by which I mean adequate – battery life. HTC’s rival One X has an excellent screen too, but I prefer the 4.8” version from Samsung. Although it’s based on slightly older technology (Pentile Amoled rather than Super Amoled Plus), that detail shouldn’t get in the way.
In terms of battery, the 2,100mAh batter was the first I’ve used that was able to get me through a whole day, unplugged from about 7am to 11pm, albeit using WiFi rather than the network for much of that time. To do this in such a slim package is probably the S3’s biggest yet least glamorous feature.
Pick up the S3, and the first thing that strikes you is that it’s made of plastic – unlike the iPhone 4S, the S3 does not quite have that weighty feel, and some users will feel that makes it seem relatively cheap. It’s an issue of personal preference, but it’s not one that bothers me. The phone feels very solid, and I’ve not yet managed to scratch its glossy white plastic. The Pebble Blue model, which is very dark blue, is likely to be even less susceptible to that problem because of its metal-effect finish. Rounded corners make it easy enough to reach the top of the phone’s screen even when using it one handed, although people with small hands may struggle. I certainly wouldn’t want a bigger device to use as a phone. The popular Samsung Galaxy Note, however, suggests many people do.
The 8.55mm slim body features a volume button on one side and the power button on the other. But you can also wake up the phone with one of the S3’s flagship new features, S-Voice. This lets you control the phone with your voice, so you can record a phrase to wake up the phone, and four others to make it do other things – take a picture, for instance. In use I found this gimmick increasingly temperamental, but it is a fine demonstration of how voice interaction is going to play a bigger role. Samsung’s currently has more possibilities than Apple’s Siri on the iPhone, but I’ve found Siri to be slightly more consistent in performance. Either way, this is not a technology I’d yet consider ready for everyday use. Apple even calls Siri a beta product.
Once the phone is awake, again it’s the screen that is consistently striking. Instantly responsive in a way that many Android phones still struggle to be, it sits on top of a quad-core processor that is so powerful it can even play a video in a window on screen. This feature feels like it was built to show off the power of the phone rather than for a real use, but it certainly does the former very effectively.
Performance loading web pages is almost instant, and running apps, such as the exclusive Flipboard for
Android, the phone is probably the first I’ve used where you almost forget that you’re using a phone rather than a fully fledged computer. Images taken with the excellent, 8MP camera load quickly, for instance, and scrolling through them is fast as well.
That camera is much improved from the S2, although its face detection seems to be in need of a software update. Some reviewers have found problems with focusing in video mode, but I didn’t experience anything major myself.
The front-facing camera, meanwhile, is also used to detect when the phone is being looked at – that ‘Smart Stay’ feature stops the phone’s display from dimming when it’s in use. Although not completely perfect, this is an excellent addition that should become a standard feature on all new smartphones, patent wars not withstanding.
Another similar new feature is ‘Direct Call’ – if you’re looking at a contact, simply picking up the phone and putting it to your face will initiate a call. It’s useful, it works and again it feels like a future standard idea. S-Beam builds on Android’s Beam technology to send phones from one device to another, and it too feels like it’s setting a new, basic standard.
The overall interface on the S3 will be familiar to users of the 20million-selling S2, but it adds important extra features. Holding the home button now brings up the task manager while double-tapping it brings up S-Voice. Where the Galaxy Nexus dispenses with a menu button, retaining it on the S3 makes for easier access to useful features.
Perhaps the best example of these is the option to hide apps from the main menu; that means users can lose but not erase the apps that Samsung insists on installing, such as Video Hub, if they don’t use them enough. That's a small but lovely option.
Indeed, it’s that Samsung tendency to add a host of features that some users may suggest makes the S3 feel bloated – as I’ve used it, that has not been my experience. Almost all the new features, from Smart Stay to Buddy Photo Share, that sends camera images to the people in them, feel useful. Those that aren't, you can hide. Why the torch is labelled 'assistive light', however, is anybdoy's guess.
Performance that, to be honest, feels like it does not yet have the software to properly test it, a gorgeous, huge screen and good, clever additions make the S3 feel, to me, like the best Android phone on the market. HTC’s One X comes very close, but even iPhone users should take a look at Samsung’s latest, greatest offering.
29/05/2012 - Telegraph
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The two most striking things about the S3 are its enormous, gorgeous screen and its surprising – by which I mean adequate – battery life. HTC’s rival One X has an excellent screen too, but I prefer the 4.8” version from Samsung. Although it’s based on slightly older technology (Pentile Amoled rather than Super Amoled Plus), that detail shouldn’t get in the way.
In terms of battery, the 2,100mAh batter was the first I’ve used that was able to get me through a whole day, unplugged from about 7am to 11pm, albeit using WiFi rather than the network for much of that time. To do this in such a slim package is probably the S3’s biggest yet least glamorous feature.
Pick up the S3, and the first thing that strikes you is that it’s made of plastic – unlike the iPhone 4S, the S3 does not quite have that weighty feel, and some users will feel that makes it seem relatively cheap. It’s an issue of personal preference, but it’s not one that bothers me. The phone feels very solid, and I’ve not yet managed to scratch its glossy white plastic. The Pebble Blue model, which is very dark blue, is likely to be even less susceptible to that problem because of its metal-effect finish. Rounded corners make it easy enough to reach the top of the phone’s screen even when using it one handed, although people with small hands may struggle. I certainly wouldn’t want a bigger device to use as a phone. The popular Samsung Galaxy Note, however, suggests many people do.
The 8.55mm slim body features a volume button on one side and the power button on the other. But you can also wake up the phone with one of the S3’s flagship new features, S-Voice. This lets you control the phone with your voice, so you can record a phrase to wake up the phone, and four others to make it do other things – take a picture, for instance. In use I found this gimmick increasingly temperamental, but it is a fine demonstration of how voice interaction is going to play a bigger role. Samsung’s currently has more possibilities than Apple’s Siri on the iPhone, but I’ve found Siri to be slightly more consistent in performance. Either way, this is not a technology I’d yet consider ready for everyday use. Apple even calls Siri a beta product.
Once the phone is awake, again it’s the screen that is consistently striking. Instantly responsive in a way that many Android phones still struggle to be, it sits on top of a quad-core processor that is so powerful it can even play a video in a window on screen. This feature feels like it was built to show off the power of the phone rather than for a real use, but it certainly does the former very effectively.
Performance loading web pages is almost instant, and running apps, such as the exclusive Flipboard for
Android, the phone is probably the first I’ve used where you almost forget that you’re using a phone rather than a fully fledged computer. Images taken with the excellent, 8MP camera load quickly, for instance, and scrolling through them is fast as well.
That camera is much improved from the S2, although its face detection seems to be in need of a software update. Some reviewers have found problems with focusing in video mode, but I didn’t experience anything major myself.
The front-facing camera, meanwhile, is also used to detect when the phone is being looked at – that ‘Smart Stay’ feature stops the phone’s display from dimming when it’s in use. Although not completely perfect, this is an excellent addition that should become a standard feature on all new smartphones, patent wars not withstanding.
Another similar new feature is ‘Direct Call’ – if you’re looking at a contact, simply picking up the phone and putting it to your face will initiate a call. It’s useful, it works and again it feels like a future standard idea. S-Beam builds on Android’s Beam technology to send phones from one device to another, and it too feels like it’s setting a new, basic standard.
The overall interface on the S3 will be familiar to users of the 20million-selling S2, but it adds important extra features. Holding the home button now brings up the task manager while double-tapping it brings up S-Voice. Where the Galaxy Nexus dispenses with a menu button, retaining it on the S3 makes for easier access to useful features.
Perhaps the best example of these is the option to hide apps from the main menu; that means users can lose but not erase the apps that Samsung insists on installing, such as Video Hub, if they don’t use them enough. That's a small but lovely option.
Indeed, it’s that Samsung tendency to add a host of features that some users may suggest makes the S3 feel bloated – as I’ve used it, that has not been my experience. Almost all the new features, from Smart Stay to Buddy Photo Share, that sends camera images to the people in them, feel useful. Those that aren't, you can hide. Why the torch is labelled 'assistive light', however, is anybdoy's guess.
Performance that, to be honest, feels like it does not yet have the software to properly test it, a gorgeous, huge screen and good, clever additions make the S3 feel, to me, like the best Android phone on the market. HTC’s One X comes very close, but even iPhone users should take a look at Samsung’s latest, greatest offering.
29/05/2012 - Telegraph
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