Monday, February 8th, 2010
Consumers are all too aware of the global warming issue, and many of us are seeking ways to reduce our carbon footprints. Now green energy has arrived, we can all do our bit to ensure that our household gas and electricity supplies come from greener sources, and here we explain how.
UK gas and electricity companies now have to make sure the at least 4,9 per cent of the power they supply comes from green energy sources. But what are these green energy sources? Right now there are four to choose from.
1. Solar power transforms the energy we receive from the sun into power for our homes, while wind power harnesses wind energy for the same purpose. We already obtain some of our energy from hydroelectricity, which is when we convert energy in flowing water to electricity. And lastly there is biomass fuel, where natural materials are burnt to provide energy for households.
2. We can all help to increase the level of green energy produced by signing up to the green tariff options now available from the majority of energy companies. There are usually two tariffs to choose from, and either one will lead to an increase in green power.
3. You can usually choose between a green tariff that takes the amount of energy that you consume and then guarantees to produce a matching amount of green energy, or you can choose a tariff that takes the extra money you pay to your supplier to spend on green energy initiatives.
4. Green energies are far more preferable to standard fossil fuel burning energies, as green energies have no harmful by-products, producing very little, if any, waste. Their sources are sustainable too, so their source of power will never run out.
5. Changing to a green tariff is no different than changing to any other gas or electricity tariff. There is no need to have any work carried out in your home, it is simply a matter of handling your account in a different way. It is likely that your current energy supplier will already have at least one eco-friendly tariff for its customers, if not have a look for suppliers that do by doing a quick online search.
If changing to a green tariff is too much of a stretch for your finances, you can instead examine the mix of fuels used by domestic suppliers. Suppliers must now publically provide information that details their CO2 emission levels and the amount of nuclear waste that they produce each year. Use this information so that you can pick a supplier that is greener than others.
British Gas can service all of your gas, electric and
British Gas can not only the leading gas suppliers, but can also provide you with a cheaper electricity supply too. requirements.
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Monday, February 8th, 2010
Households across the UK have had their finances stretched even further by rising energy costs. The annual cost of gas and electricity for the average British home is now into four figures. So if you are finding it difficult to meet these new increased energy costs, what help is available? We have compiled a rundown of all of the new government help packages that offer aid to those struggling to cope.
Gas and electricity suppliers are also aware that consumers are struggling. Many gas and electricity companies now offer support to those who are finding bill paying difficult in the form of reduced tariffs and grants. So it is recommended that those consumers who are not coping with their increased energy bills speak to their supplier about the help on offer.
1. The Home Energy Saving Programme is one of the government programmes that have been set up to help you to make your home more energy efficient. The more heat your home is able to retain, the less gas you will have to use for heating. This programme offers help to the elderly and low-income households offering free loft and cavity insulation, while other households may be entitled to half-price insulation.
2. Those living in the most deprived areas of Great Britain will be given extra help via the Community Energy Saving Programme. This is a service run by local charities, local councils and the gas and electricity companies themselves, whose job it is now to go from house-to-house making sure that everyone knows what help they are entitled to.
3. Anyone who is 60 years old or more and is resident within the British Isles is now entitled to a sum of money each year towards their gas and electricity bills. The Winter Fuel Payment is usually 250 GBP, but this depends upon your circumstances, with older UK residents entitled to as much as 400 GBP.
4. The Winter Fuel Payment is paid once each year, usually in November. The payment is should automatically paid to those who have a state pension and live within the UK. Those without a state-provided pension should phone 08459 151 515 form a claim form, or visit the government website at Direct.Gov.
5. The government now pays those on benefits who have a child of five or younger, as well as those on pension credit, pensioner premiums and disability premiums a fixed one-off sum each time the weather turns particularly cold. The Cold Weather Payment is handed out automatically to those in receipt of certain benefits when conditions turn colder than 0C for seven days or more.
So who is paying for all of this help? Several of these government programmes is being paid for by the energy companies themselves, including electricity generating companies. They have been ordered to help the government out to the tune of 910 million GBP so that these schemes can reach as many households as possible.
Take out boiler cover with British Gas and make sure that you have no unpleasant surprises or engineers bills this winter. All of our work is carried out by Corgi registered engineers.
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Monday, February 8th, 2010
More British energy consumers are choosing to switch their electricity supplies than ever before. The internet, along with government legislation, has made it easy for consumers to find the information they need to switch between suppliers and save money on electricity bills.
Electricity companies now have to fight harder to win your business, so new customers are treated to excellent customer care and sometimes special tariffs, discounts or gifts like energy saving lightbulbs. Switching will let you take advantage of these welcome packages, as well as reducing your overall electricity costs.
1. To look for the best tariffs and offers it is simplest to use the worldwide web. You can compare energy tariffs speedily and efficiently online and can quickly get in touch with any of the suppliers should you have any queries.
2. Those looking to cut their electricity bills can also save by switching the type of account they have. A dual fuel account, whereby you receive both your gas and electricity from the same company, will reduce your rates, and switching to a direct debit bill payment system will save you a few extra pounds each month.
3. When you have compared suppliers and chosen the best deal for you, apply at the supplier website or phone them to apply for an account. You should also let your current provider know of the switch. Your new supplier will complete the whole switchover on your behalf.
4.On the day of the switchover, it helps to take an electricity reading from your electric meter. You can then use this to make sure that the final bill from your old supplier is correct, and the first bill from your new supplier is correct.
5.You should ensure that you are being billed for the right electricity meter by your new electricity company by jotting down the serial number of your meter to check it against your new bill. All of your outstanding bills to your previous suppler should be paid before the process starts, as unpaid bills can hold up the process.
After you have signed up, you should expect to wait around 4 to 6 weeks for the whole changeover to be brought into place. You will receive confirmation of your changeover date and confirmation as to when the process has been completed and you will then receive a final bill from your previous supplier.
British Gas are also one of the leading electric companies. Find out how much you could save by switching your electricity supplier today.
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