Top Tips for 2018

If you're looking to get your energy spend in check for 2018 then look no further. We've got reminders of some of the easily forgotten jobs, as well as a couple of different ones you may not have thought of before.

• Energy saving light bulbs - now a standard in most stores, there's really no excuse to not be using them. Be sure to check the colour of the bulb your buying, soft or warm whites are best for the home whereas cool or pure whites are more suitable for the office according to the Energy Saving Trust. Bonus tip: when did you last clean your lights? Dust in the fittings can reduce efficiency so be sure to give them a quick wipe when you change the bulbs.
• Clearing out the freezer - one for the home, while having your freezer sufficiently filled helps keep the temperature constant, over-filling can result in the items nearer the door defrosting without you realising. Consider defrosting a couple of times a year to ensure everything is working as it should.
• PAT Testing - make sure to book a regular PAT testing with your local service engineers and ensure that all office and work place electroics are working up to scratch and not likely to cause any hazards. While replacing old equipment will be an upfront cost, newer devices are likely to be more efficient meaning long term savings.
• The Tea Round - While often the tea round can be a good time for a bit of office gossip catching up, it's also more energy efficient than everyone making their own 'sneaky tea'. The guidelines to keep in mind however include not filling the kettle with more water than you need, always fill enough to cover the heating element, and it doesn't necessarily need to reach a full boil before making the tea.
• Get a smart meter - You've no doubt received a letter from your supplier by now requesting to book an appointment for your smart meter installation. The main aim of these units is to report your energy usage back to your supplier in real time, but it also helps you to see how much your spending - consider tracking your usage for one month, and then trying to beat it the next.

 And don't forget, it always pays to make sure you're paying the best rates on the market. Visit energyadviceline.org.uk for your free, no obligation quote and find out how much you could be saving when you switch. Not all suppliers charge if you leave the contract early, or you can register for a renewal reminder to check again once your contract is up for renewal.

Inefficient buildings cause bills to soar

Are you the owner of a new build? Looking to refurbish your business or remodel your home? Pay close attention as some efficiency claims are not quite what they seem.

Make sure you check your bill when it comes in and see if it sounds reasonable against your actual energy usage - anything alarming should be reported straight away to your supplier. There may be an issue with your bill, an incorrect meter reading provided, or your home is not as efficient as claimed when you purchased.

A study carried out by Bath University has uncovered statistics which highlight how the lack of follow up regulations mean that energy efficient buildings are failing their occupants. What is known in the industry as the 'performance gap' covers the difference between what a building is predicted to use and what it actually uses once the occupants have moved in.

Our buildings in Britain account for almost half of the country's greenhouse gas emmissions and the study proposes this could be cut if buildings act as they are predicted to.

After interviewing a series of building modellers it was found that they were unable to agree on what aspects of the building are most useful for energy efficiency, and what impact they actually make on the total of a bill each month or year.

The UK's Green Building Council has called for a method of certifying buildings that falls in line with the current certificates that we recognise for our electric appliances. This is currently not a legal obligation but could be something required in the future.

If you're unsure whether your bill seems reasonable or not, or would like to find out what the best rates on the market for your home are, contact Energy Advice Line. The free and no obligation advice service can look up what rates you should be paying, advise on the best choice for your situation, and manage the switching process for you if you would like to do so. For more information head to energyadviceline.org.uk

Energy demand to peak by 2030

The World Energy Council has released their predictions this week that the global demand for energy will reach its peak by 2030. This is thanks, in part, to a combination of new technologies entering the market and governments creating stricter policies.

Reporting on a range of scenarios for global energy usage, the academics, energy companies and public sector bodies discovered that there would be a 'new world' for the energy industry. The council is the UN-accredited global energy body.

They presented the findings at the World Energy Congress in Istanbul, along with the predction that after the year 2030, energy usage will decline per person - including transport fuels, heating and electricity.

Thanks to developments in technology for the sector, use of renewable energy is growing and anticipated to grow faster as coal and oil will start to fade away. The group indicates that while 4% of power generation comes from renewables, this should be approximately 39% by 2060.

While these demands will fall, the report also shows that demand for electricity will have doubled by 2060, which requires a greater investment in the infrastructure systems that promote energy efficiency.

Three scenarios were proposed by the council that would enable the assessment of different energy use areas. These options see the use of fossil fuels ranging from 50% to 70% of energy by 2060.

Developments such as electric cars instead of petrol and diesel will help this progress, but is thought to be one of the most difficult obstacles in the plan. However two of them theorise that oil production will peak and beging to fall in 2030, with the third predicting it to plateau until 2040.

Currently oil powers 92% of vehicles with this expected to fall as low as 60% with the rise in electric powered motors.

It was also reported that maintaing global warming below 2C requires an 'exceptional effort' which would be far beyond the commitments that have already been pledged.

To accompany this reduced demand they also predict that the growth of the population will slow down, new technologies will be developed, environmental challenges will grow, and a change in economic and geopolitical power.

In the mean time, it always pays to conserve your energy usage as it brings your bills down as well. To find out how you can start saving energy, and in turn money, call one of the agents at the price comparison and switching service energyadviceline.org.uk

Switch Supplier Before The Big Switch On

Homeowners and business energy users should consider switching energy suppliers before the predicted record winter freeze hits, according to the Energy Advice Line.

Julian Morgan, managing director of the price comparison, switching and advice service for energy users said it was just weeks before the 'Big Switch On' on October 31, when consumers traditionally turned on the heating on a daily basis.

"With forecasters predicting an Arctic winter freeze, now is the time for consumers to investigate switching so that they are not paying over the odds once the bitter cold sets in." Mr Morgan said.

"It's possible to save as much as hundreds of pounds by switching supplier in advance of the end of October, when traditionally we turn out heating on every day.

"With forecasters predicting record lows, it really is worth investing the time and the effort in taking control of your energy supplies and shopping around for the best deals to take you through the winter."

Mr Morgan said that Energy Advice Line experts had the knowledge to help business energy users and households decide on the most appropriate tariff for their needs, with a number of excellent deals available.

Some of the cheapest domestic deals on the market were variable tariffs, which meant that if energy prices rose, so would your energy bills. Some fixed deals, on the other hand, were slightly more expensive but offered the security of knowing prices would remain the same for the duration of the contract.

Many households on fixed tariffs will see their energy bills leap significantly when their dual-fuel gas and electricity rates expire at the end of the month.

"There are lots of tariffs out there and it helps to have an expert explain the difference between them and help decide the best deal for your needs," Mr Morgan said.

"Large nunbers of fixed tariffs expire at the end of this month, so it's crucial that you stay in control of your energy bills now.

"With potential savings of hundreds of pounds, it makes financial sense to spend just a few moments comparing tariffs to see what you can save. And the easiest way to do this is to use our online service or give us a call.

"It's important to remember that this service is free and our prices are completely transparent."

The Energy Advice Line is a consumer champion and an independent price comparison and switching service for householders and small and medium sized businesses. The service enables consumers to quickly and simply compare electricity and gas prices, and to switch to the best available deal on the market.

The service also offers free advice and a contract management service, including alerts to remind business consumer users when their fixed-term energy contracts are about to end.

For further information, visit energyadviceline.org.uk

Is Your Business Ready for Winter?

Energy Saving Tips for the Business from Energy Advice Line

What Happened at the Weekend?

Energy news was more of the same this weekend, focusing on green energy from around the nation. It definitely pays to start looknig at how you can improve the energy efficiency in your own homes and businesses - the savings that you can make may start off small but they'll certainly add up in the long run.

Don't Let Hot Weather Delay Switching

Business energy consumers have been warned not to put off or overlook renewing their energy contracts as the hot summer weather sets in.

Julian Morgan, managing director of the Energy Advice Line, the price comparison, switching and advice service, says any delay in dealing with expired energy tariffs could see many small and medium sized firms paying much more than necessary for their supplies.

Mr Morgan said many energy deals expired in the middle of summer when many people put off finding a new deal due to the warmer weather when electricity and gas consumption was at its lowest.

What Happened at the Weekend

This weekend saw energy news from across the globe focussing on the ideals of energy efficiency and what different countries plan on doing in order to up their game. An interesting story also appeared as singer Akon pledged to help bring solar energy to Africa came with great support from both the music and energy industries.

Saturday, 13th June

• Next competitive call for Wave Energy Scotland 
• Akon’s solar energy initiative is his latest effort to empower Africa 
• Putin & Erdogan discuss energy projects in Azerbaijan closed-door talks

Sunday,14th June

• Revealed: Duke of Buccleuch lobbied Energy Minister for £1 billion wind farm project
• Duke Energy awaits decision on repair costs for new plant
• Is Scotland's green energy dream under threat?

Don't forget that if you have any questions regarding your energy supply, or energy in general then feel free to get in touch:

• Visit energyadviceline.org.uk and see how much you could save
•  Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ 
• Call us on 0800 915 1800 (Mon - Fri, 9am - 5:30pm)

Government Ignored Smart Meter Fiasco Warning

The Government should have heeded warnings to postpone the planned rollout of smart meters or risk a fiasco, according to the Energy Advice Line.

The comment follows comments by MPs that the smart meter programme, designed to enable households and businesses to monitor their energy use in real time, was threatening to turn into “a costly failure”.

Julian Morgan, managing director of the price comparison, switching and advice service for energy users, said consumer groups had warned the government some time ago that smart meters had not been sufficiently thought through.

What Happened at the Weekend

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, we saw a lot of the news stories focusing on climate control, renewable energy, and generally focusing on how we can all be a little greener with our habits. There was also a fair bit of focus across the Atlantic with regards to America's exports. With parliament back in action over the past week we can also expect to see a steady rise in energy relevant articles.




Saturday, 23rd May

• Energy giants flooded with complaints of sky high bills over last year 
• Big Six force climbdown in energy profits storm: Ofgem ditches its controversial set of forecasts as industry hits back 
• Solar energy project makes final fundraising push  

Sunday, 24th May

• Water firm plans to turn sewage into energy: United Utilities taps into 'black gold' that flows through its pipes
• Smart meters: will you pay more for 'peak electricity'?
• Mr Justice: Energy company reveal North Shields customer's details to a stranger

Monday, 25th May

• North American Energy Ministers Establish New Continental Climate Change and Energy Collaboration
• Edinburgh renewable energy entrepreneur relishes excitement of work in sector
• E.U. Could Provide Push U.S. Needs To Lift Energy Export Limits

Don't forget that if you have any questions regarding your energy supply, or energy in general then feel free to get in touch:

• Visit energyadviceline.org.uk and see how much you could save
•  Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ 
• Call us on 0800 915 1800 (Mon - Fri, 9am - 5:30pm)

What Happened at the Weekend

This weekend saw the election based energy stories starting to rise in the press with approaches from many angles. There was also quite a focus on green energy and oil this weekend and the former's benefit to businesses. We're expecting the election based news to build up this week so keep an eye out for any furrther developments.

Saturday, 9th May

• Fairfield Energy in move to decommission oil platform
• Time for Tory realism on our suicidal Lib Dem energy policy
• Clean energy is good investment for city hotel

Sunday, 10th May

• Tory victory a huge blow to UK green energy industry, campaigners warn 
• UK electricity grid holds back renewable energy, solar trade body warns 
• Andrews government powering up battery focus in energy plans

Don't forget that if you have any questions regarding your energy supply, or energy in general then feel free to get in touch:

• Visit energyadviceline.org.uk and see how much you could save
•  Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ 
• Call us on 0800 915 1800 (Mon - Fri, 9am - 5:30pm)

What Happened at the Weekend

This weekend the energy news began to focus around the General Election once again with statements from Labour and the Liberal Democrats. Alongside this we also had more ideas on how we can improve our energy efficiency, and thoughts on the Big Six.

Saturday, 25th April

• Space laser could answer our renewable energy problems, say UK scientists
• Formula One technology to reduce refrigerator energy consumption
• Energy prices are falling but make sure you are getting the best deal

Sunday, 26th April

• Labour's Caroline Flint targets big six energy firms over fairer prices for pensioners
• Senior renewable energy figures support Lib Dem involvement in next Government
• GREEN VIEW: Helping communities with renewable energy

Don't forget that if you have any questions regarding your energy supply, or energy in general then feel free to get in touch:

• Visit energyadviceline.org.uk and chat with an advisor
• Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ 
• Call us on 0800 915 1800 (Mon - Fri, 9am - 5:30pm)

What Happened at the Weekend

Given how close we are to the upcoming General Election, there has been little in the press lately about the energy policies, especially compared to the amount we were looking at only a matter of months ago. This weekend there was more focus around energy efficiency and further saving money around the home, or business, to help cut down energy costs.




Saturday, 11th April

• Plans for green energy scheme in Kintore launched
• How a dairy farm AD plant saves £20,000 a year in energy costs
• Australia’s New Energy White Paper Proves Government’s Head Is In The Sand

Sunday, 12th April

• Norway’s Green Energy: Coming Soon To A Town Near You
• Making An Energy Efficient Historic Home
• Politics, red tape ‘turning EU clean energy into zombie industry’

Don't forget that if you have any questions regarding your energy supply, or energy in general then feel free to get in touch:

• Visit energyadviceline.org.uk and chat with an advisor
• Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ 
• Call us on 0800 915 1800 (Mon - Fri, 9am - 5:30pm)

What Happened at the Weekend

This week we're also updating you on what happened on the Bank Holidays - the long weekend proved to be quite productive for the energy sector. We're now a month away from the General Election as well, so that continues to be on the forefront of most people's minds.

Friday, 3rd April

• Energy minister chartered his own private aircraft from London to Aberdeen, despite numerous scheduled services 
• Britain in need of turbines twice as big as Big Ben claim energy experts

Saturday, 4th April

• Future of energy in Yorkshire rising up the election agenda
• Town to host international energy conference to share best practice

Sunday, 5th April

• Crowdsourcing funds will put solar panels on every school roof  
• BP’s extreme climate forecast puts energy giant in a bind
• Spacehus sets a new standard for energy efficient homes

Monday, 6th April

• Guy Hands: a Labour/SNP government would be best for renewable energy
• When Will Energy Efficiency Become 'Normal?'
• Energy giant acquires windfarm project from rival

Don't forget that if you have any questions regarding your energy supply, or energy in general then feel free to get in touch:

• Visit energyadviceline.org.uk and chat with an advisor
• Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ 
• Call us on 0800 915 1800 (Mon - Fri, 9am - 5:30pm)

What Happened at the Weekend?

It's hard to look past this morning's big news for domestic energy consumers - potentially spending £200 more than they need to due to a lack of switching - but there are other stories floating around from the weekend. A lot of stories about renewable and green energy projects, as well as how the falling rate of inflation will affect the energy and oil prices in the UK.

Saturday 14th February

•  Inflation to hit record low as prices of energy and groceries tumble
• Total criticises 'uncertain’ energy policy
• Watchdog turns up heat on Big Six energy firms who face accusations of manipulating the market and making excessive profits

Sunday 15th February

• Cornish villagers fear devastation over quarry for green energy scheme
• Letters: Pursuit of renewable targets will leave energy in short supply
• Energy row in Cornish village which David Cameron named daughter after

Don't forget that if you have any questions regarding your energy supply, or energy in general then feel free to get in touch;

• Visit energyadviceline.org.uk and chat with an advisor
• Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+
• Call us on 0800 915 1800 (Mon - Fri, 9am - 5:30pm)

Live Energy & Climate Change Questions - House of Commons

Debate took place in the House of Commons this morning regarding the energy efficiency schemes and what is being done to further tackle the issue of climate change. Focusing heavily on the soon to be released Fuel Poverty Strategy and the recent issues regarding price cuts from the Big Six and independent energy suppliers, and what Ofgem and the CMA will be doing to ensure that these savings will be passed on to the domestic consumers.

Energy Secretary Ed Davey states that network costs count for a fifth of the domestic energy bills and historic analysis shows that these costs have been coming down since privatisation, but Ofgem do need to continue their pressure to bare down on this and ensure that the savings are then reflected in the consumer's bill. Currently the coalition has brought policy costs down by £50 and the UK is currently enjoying the lowest domestic gas cost in the EU - however are the price freezes helping the consumer, are they competent when instead further competition could help drive prices down further, a question posed by MP Steve Baker.

Davey agrees with Which? that we should be working harder towards market competitiveness, reforming the Big Six to reduce their market share and increase the independent suppliers as this will help to further increase the competition of tariffs and deals on offer. Profit margins for the Big Six are currently soaring due to the reduced wholesale prices so more needs to be done to pass these savings on to the consumers.

When posed the question of how much renewable energy will we see by 2015, compared to 2010, it is stated that the current government is the 'most green' it has ever been with renewable electricity generation up to 14% from 6.8% in 2010. Offshore wind is going to continue to insure the strong renewable energy mix, enabling these renewables to deliver their pledge.Wind power is essential but is obviously not 100% reliable which is why there is a mix in the renewable energy investments, including investments in the battery industry - developments to make sure that wind is more reliable when the subsidies come down.

The 'Solar Strategy' has so far helped businesses reduce their energy costs, with help from the Feed in Tariff for industrial businesses. It is reinforced that SMEs are essential to the growth of the economy so the government will continue to support them through the FiT to help with costs of solar capital and reduce the amount of tax payer money that goes towards this also. Predictions state that solar power will be subsidy free by the end of the decade, which is something to celebrate and the tax payer will also appreciate this. Solar remains as part of the renewable energy mix when looking at commercial energy strategy plans.

New legislation to be introduced will require landlords to ensure that their properties meet new energy efficiency standards by April 1st 2018, it is predicted that this will help around 1 million tenants when it comes to fuel poverty. Their properties must meet a minimal EPC rating of 'E' to pass this measure before they can be let. Reforms are made to the Green Deal and the Home Improvement fund to help a further 1 million homes become energy efficient in order to help tackle the issue of fuel poverty. So far, 445,000 Green Deal assessments have been made and evidence shows that 70% of these go on to install energy efficient measures, or plan to install these measures using the available options of the Green Deal Finance and their own savings/other financial options. More will also be done to help the insulation of park homes. Measures are being taken to ensure that families who are currently suffering from fuel poverty will be in EPC rated 'C' housing by 2030.

MP Kerry McCarthy questions the contributions of livestock towards global emissions and how people are being advised to further reduce their carbon emissions. The '2015 Global Calculator' has been recently released to show people how their every day decisions are making an impact on climate change, and lets them see what choices they need to make in the future to decrease their own personal impact.

While we await the Fuel Poverty Statement at the end of the month this certainly gives us a lot to focus on, especially given the forthcoming elections. It is, as it always is, important to ensure that you are paying the most competitive prices with your energy spend as this helps towards cutting your overall costs. Consumers can quickly and simply search the market for the best available energy deals from an extensive panel of small and large energy suppliers with the Energy Advice Line. The service also offers a free advice service for business energy customers throughout the to of their energy contracts.

For further information visit www.energyadviceline.org.uk

What Happened at the Weekend?

The news this weekend tended to just focus around the latest price drops from four of the Big Six suppliers and whether or not these are a good thing for the business and domestic energy customers. A majority of the news from across the pond was centralised around the falling oil prices, spending cuts and moving towards creating a greater focus on energy efficiency.

Here's two highlights from the weekend, a bit of criticism about the price cuts, and an interesting piece revolving around the idea of helping to solve the planet's energy crisis.

Saturday, 24^th January

• Critics hit out as 4th energy firm lowers tariffs

Sunday, 25^th January

• Could a man-made star solve Earth's energy crisis?

Don't forget that if you have any questions regarding your energy supply, or energy in general then feel free to get in touch;

• Visit energyadviceline.org.uk and chat with an advisor
• Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+
• Call us on 0800 915 1800 (Mon - Fri, 9am - 5:30pm)

What Happened at the Weekend?

With the cold weather due to hit this week have you given any though towards your energy supply? Is the customer service that you receive good enough? Are your rates the most competitive? This weekend saw more probes into energy policies and price cuts with the forthcoming election, and some tales of woe from customer service. The New Year is still on everyone's minds and suggesting looking at price comparison services is at the forefront again to help people stick to their resolutions to save themselves, and their businesses, some money in the long run.