In Response to Economic Recession, U.K. Public Turn to Energy Saving Practices

As the current economic recession weighs heavily on individuals lifestyles and wallets in today’s times, people are turning to various outlets in efforts to saving money, while still gaining the necessities they need in order to remain happy, healthy and functioning. 

This trend stems far past the United States as well. It seems not just Americans are trying to pinch their wallets a little tighter in today’s economic environment.

In order for people to conserve and micro-manage their funds, individuals within the United Kingdom are turning towards energy saving initiatives as the recession declines, according to a recent independent survey. 

HEATKEEPER, a supplier of energy saving radiator panels and eco friendly products, revealed the results of the recently commissioned OnePoll survey of the effects of the recession and energy usage in the home. 

Not surprisingly, the results revealed that 25 percent of the 3,000 adults surveyed had changed energy suppliers within the last 12 months for a better deal. 

What was surprising was that 65 percent have made it a habit to turn lights off when leaving a room, and 40 percent have turned their heating thermostats down to save energy while reducing costs. 

Of that 65 percent, 41-55 age group are far more likely to be in the habit of turning the lights off with under 21’s seeing it as less of a priority. Women were also more likely to switch off then men, with 70 percent of women switching off and only 55 percent of men making the effort. 

Bob Shire, Director of HEATKEEPER said that the survey has shown just how willing people are to be more energy efficient, especially during difficult times, but even in more prosperous times energy costs are predicted to increase well ahead of inflation and earnings and we will need to come up with new ways to save energy which are practical and affordable.  

Even more surprising was that – of the surveyed individuals – only 5 percent had fitted radiator panels like the ones HEATKEEPER supplies. 

“Fitting radiator insulation panels is a good example of this, they can save households up to 20% of heating costs and be fitted in a weekend,” Shire said. “But there are lots of other simple and cost effective ways to save energy, without having to shell out huge sums for solar heating or wind turbines.”  

And, with energy bills due to hit almost £5,000, or $8,158, a year in the next 10 years the importance of reducing the cost of energy has never been more critical.