Electricity prices are too high, says EU

THE European Commission is to launch an investigation into the price of electricity, following concerns that they may be too high.

Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, Meglena Kuneva said the decision followed an initial report which showed prices charged by some suppliers across the 27 member states may be excessive.

"Less than two thirds of consumers are satisfied with their energy supplier," said the commissioner.

Across the EU, about 60 per cent of consumers reported a rise in their electricity bills last year, while only 3-4 per cent saw falls.
It follows an announcement by British Gas last month that it would cut its standard gas bills by 10 per cent, but would not pass on cuts to electricity customers.

The new rates, which will save the average customer around £80 a year, will come into effect on February 19, benefiting 7.5 million of the supplier's 15.6 million customers.

Yet they will see no reduction in electricity bills, despite a 35 per cent drop in wholesale costs since last summer. It means dual-fuel customers will see their bills drop by a mere 7 per cent.

Critics also point out the gas cut was only half what they expected given the 50 per cent fall in wholesale gas prices since they peaked last summer.

Mark Todd at comparison website energyhelpline.com said: "Given the dramatic falls in wholesale energy prices, we were hoping for something more like 20 per cent."

British Gas said it had not passed on the full effects of last year's wholesale price increases , so consumers could not now benefit from the full drop.

The UK government has already urged suppliers to pass on savings to customers and warned that it may legislate to lower bills.

The energy regulator Ofgem told suppliers in October that they had to stop charging customers different rates if they paid by direct debit or pre-payment meters.
full article

Victorian house given £330,000 eco makeover

The Victorian council house in Camden has been fitted with £330,000 of green gadgets and measures to save energy and cut emissions.

If the occupiers manage to cut their bills, the council will extend the initiative across the borough. The five-bedroom house has solar panels on the roof to provide power and an advanced air-conditioning system to lower heating costs.

It has high levels of draught proofing and windows that are designed to be 20per cent better at retaining heat than current building regulations.

The property also boasts heat recovery ventilation to warm incoming fresh air and rainwater harvesting for use in the garden.

Council bosses say emissions from the house are now 80 per cent lower and it will save residents hundreds of pounds in bills.

What's behind the green door?

Insulation: floor, roof and internal wall insulation fitted wherever needed at a cost of £12,000

Windows: good-quality double glazing means windows are 20 per cent better at retaining heat

Draught proofing: every area, including loft access, is draught proofed as much as possible

Internal heat recovery: uses “smart ventilation” to recycle the heat from the outgoing stale air and re-use it in the incoming clean air

Drainage: rainwater is collected for use in the garden

full article

Power to the People

James May tries to find smarter, brighter and bolder ways of powering the planet

World's fastest electric car

The world's fastest electric car that can reach speeds of 208mph has been unveiled.
The eco-vehicle created by Shelby Supercars can accelerate to 60mph in just 2.5 seconds.
It is powered by a twin motor system, which produces a staggering 1,000 horse power and 800lb-ft of torque.
In contrast the current electric sports car flagbearer, the Tesla Roadster which was recently tested by Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear, produces 250 horse power.
Makers Shelby Supercars, who also manufacture the world's fastest production car, say the Ultimate Aero EV is powered by a 'revolutionary All-Electric ScalableB Powertrain'.
According to Shelby, it will be possible to fully charge the batteries in just 10 minutes from the mains, thanks to an on-board system it is calling 'Charge on the Run'.
Once the Ultimate Aero EV's batteries are charged it will have a range of between 150 and 200 miles.
The manufacturer expects to roll out pre-production versions of the vehicle, which has a three-speed automatic gearbox, by June.
full article