Fife Stuck On Standby

Fife householders could save £10.2 million a year by switching appliances off standby.

In the countdown to Big Energy Saving Week, a joint UK campaign between Energy Saving Trust, Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and Citizens Advice, new research reveals the number of appliances in homes is sending bills out of control and costing households billions of pounds. 

Starting on Monday, October 20, the campaign will help householders learn how to take control of their electricity and heating bills with free advice available throughout the week over the phone, online and at events across the UK.
 
Mike Thornton, Director of the Energy Saving Trust Scotland said: "We are a nation on standby. Whatever your age, gender or the size of your household: our research has found that millions of us are unintentionally wasting electricity when we leave our gadgets on standby. It's an easy mistake to make yet it costs us a fortune. And as we become more tech-savvy it's hardly surprising our home appliances don't come with an energy-cost warning label on them.
 
"Televisions and games consoles are now among the primary sources of our everyday entertainment, yet when left on permanent standby they are costing us £45-80 a year. I'm not suggesting we get rid; I'm urging people to take back control of their appliances next week and switch off when we aren't using them. Check your appliances regularly and switch your supplier to take control of your bills."
 
Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said: "Rising energy bills remain a huge concern for the Scottish Government and fuel poverty is still a major issue in Scotland, with over 27% of households affected. That’s why we are supportive of the Big Energy Saving Week campaign as it helps households take control of their electricity and heating bills.
 
"Households can get advice on how to qualify for any energy saving improvements and find out how to save money on winter fuel bills through the Scottish Government’s Home Energy Scotland hotline by calling 0808 808 2282."
 
Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey said: "Consumers can make a real difference to their electricity bills by improving energy efficiency at home and Citizens Advice and Energy Saving Trust are there to help. Shopping around for the best energy deal can also make a huge difference. We've slashed the vast array of confusing tariffs, so it’s now easier to compare energy prices and switching times will be halved by the end of this year. Households could be saving a further £200 per year just by switching suppliers."
 
Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said: "Every day, Citizens Advice helps people who are struggling to meet the cost of their energy bills. Eighty thousand people a year come to us for help with fuel debts.
 
“With prices up a third since 2010, it's more important than ever that people know what they can do to keep their fuel bills down and what help is available. That's why we're running events up and down the country to help people make sure they are not paying a penny more than they have to."