Energy efficiency will lower bills, says group

Homeowners need to do all they can to lower their carbon emissions, as this will help reduce the cost of utility bills, an expert has said.

Dr Paula Owen, Head of Knowledge Services for the Energy Saving Trust, revealed that poor insulation is leading to energy losses of around £8 billion a year.

Furthermore, three-quarters of people say that they would be encouraged to improve their energy efficiency if their bills would be cut as a result.

"There are so many ways to do this, from basic measures like replacing your old boiler with an energy-efficient model or loft insulation to more advanced approaches like installing renewable microgeneration technology," she revealed.

Behavioural changes are also crucial, Dr Owen stressed, which may be helped out when smart meters are installed in the coming years.

Chief Executive of Ofgem Alistair Buchanan recently told the BBC that energy bills will rise by 20% over the course of the next ten years.

Posted by Ruth Bradshaw