Ofgem is set to launch a new campaign to help people understand how they can reduce their energy use and bring bills down this winter, the regulator's boss has revealed. Jonathan Brearley said his organisation was working with energy companies to help them assist customers through what will prove to be a tough winter.
It comes after Prime Minister Liz Truss reportedly blocked a £15 million energy saving campaign, which could have saved the Treasury several times its cost. The plans had already been signed off by Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg, according to the reports, but Ms Truss vetoed it amid worries about the "nanny state".
But experts say that the UK Government, which is picking up a multibillion-pound energy tab for households this winter, could save millions by investing in a public information campaign. Andrew Ward, the boss of ScottishPower's retail unit told an audience in London on Thursday: “On the campaign question, I just can't see any logical reason why you wouldn't do it. It's absolutely the right thing to do for the UK."
Households will not pay more than 34p per unit of electricity they use and 10.3p for gas under the UK Government's price cap which will last for two years. But bills will still be twice what they were a year ago as people across the country try to keep their homes warm.
Figuring out how to use less energy while still staying comfortable will be important for millions of people this winter.
"All of us could be thinking about how to reduce our energy use where possible," Mr Brearley told a conference organised by trade body Energy UK.
"This is not only the most direct way to reduce our bills. It directly helps with security of supply, contributes to decarbonisation and saves money for the public finances."
He said that innovation foundation Nesta recently launched a campaign to convince people to reduce their boiler's flow temperature which can save cash without reducing the temperature inside homes.
"They claim that you can save roughly 9% on your gas bill if you do so," he said and it will save the Treasury around £500 million according to Nesta estimates.
Mr Brearley added: "Organisations such as the Energy Saving Trust recommend only having your heating on when required, turning off lights when you leave the room and switching devices off standby, for example.
"Ofgem is working with the energy sector and interested groups to help consumers navigate this information and we will shortly be launching a campaign to explain the support available, how to reduce energy consumption, and what customers should expect from their providers."
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