last updated 13th October 05
by 4ecotips.com

A simple graphic could promote energy saving

The Norwegians have been getting it for years. Now it's the turn of 3,000 customers of leading energy supplier, Powergen.

Giving households a graph showing their energy use and how it compares with the same period last year is a proven technique for stimulating more energy saving behaviour. Evidence from long-term trials in Norway and some other countries shows people cutting their energy use by an average of 5-10% when presented consistently with such graphic feedback on their bills.

Now Powergen is testing the technique in the UK in a carefully controlled 2-year pilot study with 3,000 of its customers. This trial takes forward research which CSE undertook for energy regulator, Ofgem, examining overseas experience and exploring UK consumer attitudes to the approach.

CSE Chief Executive, Simon Roberts, who led the research for Ofgem, says "this simple approach has great potential to put people more in touch with their energy use - it's great that Powergen is seeing how its customers respond."