Britain's poorest households should get more help finding the cheapest power and gas deals under a new plan to soften the blow of soaring energy prices.
UK energy regulator Ofgem published its "Fuel Poverty Action Programme" on Friday which it says aims to get consumers who pay more than a tenth of their income on heating and lighting their homes onto the cheapest tariffs available.
"We have to find ways to identify and target more effectively low income and vulnerable customers most in need of help from the government, suppliers and non-government agencies," Ofgem Chairman John Mogg said.
Under the plan, the Department of Work and Pensions will look at new laws to allow more information to be shared by government and energy suppliers to improve targeting help for poorer customers, while another government-funded scheme will ensure the most vulnerable customers are on the cheapest tariff.
full article
Friday, 30 May 2008
Wednesday, 28 May 2008
Maximize your fuel efficiency
Drive more efficiently
* Drive sensibly: avoid aggressive driving, such as speeding, rapid acceleration and braking. (5 percent to 33 percent fuel economy benefit)
* Observe the speed limit:gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. (7 percent to 23 percent fuel economy benefit)
* Remove excess weight: avoid keeping unnecessary items, especially heavy ones, in your vehicles (1 percent to 2 percent fuel economy benefit per 100 pounds)
* Avoid excessive idling.
* Use the cruise control.
* Use overdrive gears.
Keep your car in shape
* Keep your engine properly tuned:fix vehicles that are out of tune, have serious maintenance problems or have failed emissions tests. (4 percent fuel economy benefit)
* Check and replace air filters regularly. (up to 10 percent fuel economy benefit)
* Keep tires properly inflated. (up to 3 percent fuel economy benefit)
* Use the recommended grade of motor oil. (1 percent to 2 percent fuel economy)
Plan and combine trips
* Combine errands into one trip.
* Stagger work hours to avoid peak rush hours.
* Consider telecommuting if permitted by your employer.
* Take advantage of carpools and ride-share programs.
* Consider public transit.
* Reduce aerodynamic drag by placing items inside the trunk rather than in a roof carrier whenever possible.
Choose a more fuel efficient vehicle
Research vehicles before buying and select the most fuel efficient vehicle to meet your needs.
full article
* Drive sensibly: avoid aggressive driving, such as speeding, rapid acceleration and braking. (5 percent to 33 percent fuel economy benefit)
* Observe the speed limit:gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. (7 percent to 23 percent fuel economy benefit)
* Remove excess weight: avoid keeping unnecessary items, especially heavy ones, in your vehicles (1 percent to 2 percent fuel economy benefit per 100 pounds)
* Avoid excessive idling.
* Use the cruise control.
* Use overdrive gears.
Keep your car in shape
* Keep your engine properly tuned:fix vehicles that are out of tune, have serious maintenance problems or have failed emissions tests. (4 percent fuel economy benefit)
* Check and replace air filters regularly. (up to 10 percent fuel economy benefit)
* Keep tires properly inflated. (up to 3 percent fuel economy benefit)
* Use the recommended grade of motor oil. (1 percent to 2 percent fuel economy)
Plan and combine trips
* Combine errands into one trip.
* Stagger work hours to avoid peak rush hours.
* Consider telecommuting if permitted by your employer.
* Take advantage of carpools and ride-share programs.
* Consider public transit.
* Reduce aerodynamic drag by placing items inside the trunk rather than in a roof carrier whenever possible.
Choose a more fuel efficient vehicle
Research vehicles before buying and select the most fuel efficient vehicle to meet your needs.
full article
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
MOST FUEL EFFICIENT VEHICLES
Best and Worst Fuel Economy. Find the most and least efficient 2002 model year cars and trucks.
MOST FUEL EFFICIENT VEHICLES
MOST FUEL EFFICIENT VEHICLES
Gas-saving tires roll up in popularity
The rubber is meeting the road in automakers' quest for a quick gas mileage boost.
Automakers have developed a budding affection for "low-rolling-resistance" tires to squeeze a few extra miles per gallon from every model.
"They are putting much more emphasis on fuel economy than ever before" when it comes to picking tires, says Mike Martini, president of the Bridgestone division that supplies automakers.
Gas-saving tires have rolled out in the past, but attracted limited interest in an era of low-cost fuel. They are made with specially formulated compounds and tread designs that cut road friction. But sometimes, there was a trade-off: less road grip or durability.
full article
Automakers have developed a budding affection for "low-rolling-resistance" tires to squeeze a few extra miles per gallon from every model.
"They are putting much more emphasis on fuel economy than ever before" when it comes to picking tires, says Mike Martini, president of the Bridgestone division that supplies automakers.
Gas-saving tires have rolled out in the past, but attracted limited interest in an era of low-cost fuel. They are made with specially formulated compounds and tread designs that cut road friction. But sometimes, there was a trade-off: less road grip or durability.
full article
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