Confused.com research reveals how households reduce energy usage in their homes

Oct. 26, 2011 - PRLog -- New findings from Confused.com* show that 45% of UK households are avoiding switching the lights on in their homes, in a desperate attempt to reduce energy usage and keep bills down.Surprisingly 3% of people eat by candle light which is great for the romantics in us, but not ideal on a daily basis.

The research also shows that 14% of people are sharing bathwater with their family, as householders turn to more extreme ways to keep the cost of their energy down.

Household bills have risen dramatically over the last few months** and 72% of UK householders are trying to save as much energy as possible. Following a summer of price rises, bad press and damning findings from Ofgem showing that energy suppliers (http://www.confused.com/gas-electricity ) are making a massive profit of £125*** for each average customer, people are now being forced to ration their energy usage.

In the Energy Summit, the Prime Minister, consumer groups, energy suppliers and industry regulator Ofgem for the first time agreed that consumers need more help to get the cost of their gas and electricity bills down and urged consumers to shop around.

As many UK residents face another cold winter with many struggling to pay their bills, 52% of people admit that they wear more clothes in winter to avoid putting the heating on. Worryingly, 70% of the 55+ age range group admit they already do this, and this is before the latest price hikes have taken affect.

Lisa Greenfield, Confused.com energy analyst, said: "It's worrying that energy prices keep rising, leaving many UK residents struggling to pay their bills.However it’s encouraging to see people adapting to this by consciously thinking about energy saving ways. Over 75% of people think about saving energy and the 55+ age group appear to be the most energy conscious.”

"We worry that people are taking extreme measures and are suffering in a bid to save energy, just by making simple changes like only using the dish washer when its full, turning your washing machine down to 30 degrees and not putting warm items in your fridge/freezer as it has to work harder to cool it down can save you money on an annual basis. However shopping around on a price comparison site and switching your tariff or supplier could save on average £248."****

To get one-to-one advice from the Energy Saving Trust on how to cut your energy bills, those interested can join the Confused.com live webcast on 27th Thursday, at 12.30pm. They can also get their energy questions answered (http://www.confused.com/gas-electricity/articles/2011-10/...) on the Confused.com site as well as view the energy price infographic (http://www.confused.com/news-views/infographics/energy-pr...).

Ends

Notes to Editors:
*The poll of 2,000 people in the UK was carried out by Onepoll, on behalf of Confused.com, in October 2011 and all figures have been rounded to the nearest 1%
**http://www.confused.com/news-views/infographics/energy-price-infographic
***http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/Media/PressRel/Documents1/RMR%20O...
****Savings achieved by switching from an average standard tariff paying on receipt of the bill, to the best available tariff, First Utility's iSave 8 for an average customer

About Confused.com:
Confused.com is one of the UK's biggest and most popular price comparison services. Launched in 2002, it generates over one million quotes per month. It has expanded its range of comparison products over the last couple of years to include home insurance, travel insurance, pet insurance, van insurance, motorbike insurance, breakdown cover and energy, as well as financial services products including credit cards, loans, mortgages and life insurance.  

Confused.com is owned by the Admiral Group plc. Admiral listed on the London Stock Exchange in September 2004. Confused.com is regulated by the FSA.

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