Most of the energy we use at home comes from non-renewable sources such as coal, oil and gas. When burnt, these fuels emit the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change. In the UK, 25% of all carbon dioxide emissions released into the atmosphere from the energy used to run our homes.

The average home in the UK wastes up to £200 a year by failing to use energy wisely. The amount of heat lost annually in the UK through roofs and walls is enough to heat 3 million homes for a year. By improving the insulation and heating systems in our homes, we can reduce the amount of energy we need to heat our homes, and cut our fuel bills considerably.

Renewable energy, such as solar power, wind power or energy from crops, can also help to reduce the effects of fossil fuel use. By purchasing renewable energy we can reduce our use of fossil fuels, and if we can generate our own energy we can reduce the amount we need to buy from gas or electricity companies.

What we do to help you save money

We have been set a Government target to improve energy efficiency in domestic properties by 30% by 2010. We have several initiatives to help people reduce their energy use, including:

• Promoting national grants schemes for insulation and heating measures. Cavity wall insulation could save you up to £100 per year on your fuel bill and should make your home warmer and more comfortable.
• Providing advice to householders on energy efficiency in writing, over the telephone, or at community events
• Distributing low energy light bulbs to people receiving an energy survey.
• We support a regional organisation, Thames Valley Energy (TVE), which is working to promote and develop renewable energy supplies within the Thames Valley. TVE can advise on the grants and other assistance that is available to help householders, landowners and other residents to generate or use renewable energy themselves. For more information on TVE go to website link below.

What can you do?

• Call the Bucks Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on 0800 512 012 to see which grant or discount schemes you are eligible for.
• Fit low energy light bulbs, which last up to twelve times longer and use only a fifth of the energy of ordinary bulbs
• Turn the TV off rather than leaving it on standby - equipment on standby still uses energy and costs money.
• When buying new appliances, buy A-rated models where possible. These use less energy and will be cheaper to run.

Date Updated: 05/03/08

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