December 2009 news archive
Switching energy supplier 'top way of saving money in 2010'
Switching energy supplier has been named as one of the top ten ways of saving money in 2010 by the consumer group Which?.
More people living in fuel poverty
High gas and electricity bills mean that seven million people are living in fuel poverty this winter, according to the National Housing Federation (NHF).
Consumers 'should consider switching from a fixed energy tariff'
Consumers on fixed energy tariffs have been advised to shop around to see if they can get a better deal, according to the Times.
CBI: UK must improve energy efficiency measures
Businesses and consumers need to step up their energy efficiency efforts to cut carbon emissions and save money, according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).
Energy bills could increase by one-third by 2020
Homeowners could face a huge rise in gas and electricity bills in the years leading up to 2020 if their homes are not properly insulated, warned consumer group Which?.
Parents 'borrow money from kids to pay bills'
More than one in five parents borrow money from their children's savings to pay for household bills, according to Engage Mutual Assurance.
Carbon Trust makes energy saving recommendations to businesses
Commercial buildings can reduce their carbon emissions by a third by the year 2020, creating significant savings on energy bills, according to the Carbon Trust.
Household energy efficiency grants are 'worthwhile'
Plans to offer homes energy efficiency grants to reduce their gas and electricity bills have been welcomed by the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC).
UK homeowners have less disposable income
Households have less disposable income per month after making essential payments, such as energy bills, according to the latest figures.
'More information needed about boiler scrappage scheme'
Consumers need more information about energy-saving equipment to reduce gas and electricity bills, according to one industry body.
Consumers invest in energy-efficient technology
UK consumers are investing more money in energy efficiency technology, according to a new report by the Co operative Bank.
Switching energy supplier 'makes good business sense'
Over one-third of businesses in London have switched their gas and electricity supplier in the past year, according to figures from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).
Profit gaps widening for big energy firms
The energy market is not offering consumers a fair deal and should provide cheaper gas and electricity, according to one consumer group.
Smart meters may not benefit vulnerable groups
Vulnerable groups may not benefit from the installation of smart meters in their homes, according to National Energy Action (NEA).
Ofgem: 'We will not shy away from radical reform of the energy sector'
Energy watchdog Ofgem has said that customers should not be paying for investments made by gas and electricity suppliers.
Supermarket to sell energy saving products
Consumers will soon be able to buy energy-saving products in a major British supermarket, potentially cutting their electricity bills.
Consumer Focus: Energy firms should contribute to the cost of smart meters
The government needs to ensure that consumers alone are not funding the new smart meter scheme, according to one consumer group.
Government unveils plans for smart meters
Smart meters will be installed in every home in the UK under government plans, which could lead to cheaper gas and electricity bills.
Inefficient appliances could be leading to higher energy bills
Household appliances might not be performing at the standards manufacturers claim they are, leading to higher fuel bills, according to new research.
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