Energy bill alert: Woman, 59 explains how her smart meter 'drastically' reduced bills and saved almost £5,000 a year
Shirley Paterson explained how generating her own electricity has helped her energy bills reduce substantially
ecoexperts
One family has managed to save around £5,000 a year on their energy bills due to home improvement strategies.
Shirley Paterson explained how generating her own electricity has helped her energy bills reduce substantially.
UK households could save nearly £5,000 annually on their energy bills by adopting green technology, according to recent findings from the 2024 National Home Energy Survey.
The study found that saving money on energy bills is the primary motivation for embracing low-carbon technology in Britain.
The Eco Experts, a leading authority on sustainable living, have highlighted the potential for substantial savings through the use of solar panels, electric cars, and smart meters.
This significant reduction in energy costs comes at a time when many households are seeking ways to combat rising utility bills and reduce their carbon footprint.
UK households could save nearly £5,000 annually on their energy bills by adopting green technologyECOEXPERTSOn typical use, a household paying by Direct Debit pays £1,717 a year under the current Price Cap. After the latest 10 per cent increase in the Energy Price Cap on October 1, EDF Energy is predicting a slight rise in the Price Cap from January 2025.
In anticipation of the Price Cap raising again, many people may be wondering how they can cut their bills.
The 59 year old was able to explain how others can make substantial savings switching to green technology. As she has a smart electricity meter, her home energy and car fuel consumption are encompassed in one meter reading.
Paterson explained that “the electric cars and smart meter enabled us to have a smart time of use tariff, designed for the charging of electric vehicles at home.
“By generating some of our own electricity, and transitioning to electric cars, our energy bills have reduced substantially. We have solar panels, so we use as much of the on-site generated energy as possible, and purchase from the grid to meet the rest of our needs.”
The Eco Experts that adopting low carbon technology such as solar panels and electric cars, combined with her use of a smart meter, has “enabled an energy bill reduction of almost £5,000 per year”.
The family's approach combines solar panels, electric vehicles, and a smart meter to maximise efficiency and savings.
She added: "Harnessing green tech both in the home and with our vehicles has massively reduced our energy bills and CO2 emissions."
Remarkably, she added, "Despite having actually extended our living space, our energy bills were no higher than they'd been prior to us making sustainable home improvements."
Green technology offers three key ways for households to save money on energy bills:
- Firstly, renewable energy, particularly solar power, has become the most cost-effective energy source worldwide. This allows homeowners to produce their own electricity at a lower cost than traditional grid power.
- Secondly, renewable energy systems provide stable and predictable costs. Unlike fossil fuels, which are subject to price fluctuations, green tech offers consistent energy expenses, making budgeting easier for families.
- Lastly, whilst there's an initial investment, green tech provides long-term savings. For instance, a solar PV system can pay for itself within a few years and continue to provide free electricity thereafter.
As energy costs continue to fluctuate, more families are turning to renewable sources to secure their energy independence and reduce their carbon footprint.
The surge in green tech adoption aligns with the Government's push for cleaner energy and the UK's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Christopher McFadden, energy expert at The Eco Experts, emphasised the importance of energy independence.
He said: "In a world that is becoming increasingly more unstable, it is more important than ever to become as energy independent as possible."
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McFadden advocated for renewable energy systems, including solar panels and wind turbines, as well as emerging technologies like micro-CHP.
He likens the adoption of green tech to an investment, stating: "If it saves you money now and in the future, stops you from worrying about rising energy costs, and adds value to your home, that can't be a bad thing, can it?"
Tom Armstrong, Managing Director of Project Solar UK, echoed his sentiment. He said: "It's incredibly heartening to see that the vast majority of those who invest in low-carbon technologies are extremely satisfied with their choice."
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