These simple energy tricks will save you money, government says in delayed information campaign | Climate News
Britons are being urged to plug gaps in doors and tweak boiler settings to curb soaring energy bills, amid fears of power blackouts this winter.
Months after other European leaders made similar announcements, in November the UK government committed to a multimillion pound public information campaign offering “simple, low or no-cost actions” to bring about “big savings”.
It followed growing pressure from campaigners and environmentalists who said small changes to lower demand would boost energy security, lower bills and limit emissions, benefitting the climate.
The government has now unveiled its initiative called It All Adds Up, which outlines “straightforward” steps to cut energy use immediately, “while ensuring people are able to stay safe and warm this winter”.
“No one is immune to rising energy bills this winter,” said Business Secretary Grant Shapps, who appeared in a promotional video in which he battles an elf.
“So it’s in everyone’s interest to use every trick in the book to use less energy while keeping homes warm and staying safe,” he added.
Mr Sunak’s predecessors Liz Truss and Boris Johnson resisted calls to launch a public information campaign, with Ms Truss ditching a similar plan amid fears it would be too “nanny state”.
Germany and the Netherlands asked their citizens back in April to start saving energy, while Denmark in June launched its “Én ting er sikkert. Og det er grønt” electricity saving campaign, which translates as “One thing is certain. And it is green”.
The £18m UK initiative will feature adverts and more detailed information on the gov.uk website.
The government’s energy saving drive is part of its long-term plan to reduce the UK’s final energy consumption from buildings and industry by 15% by 2030, compared with 2021 levels.
It has also committed funding to upgrade energy efficiency and insulation in homes.
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