Sales of electric cars have slumped so badly that there are now more charging points than vehicles on the road.
Just 2,149 electric cars have been sold since 2006, despite a government scheme last year offering customers up to £5,000 towards the cost of a vehicle.
The Department for Transport says that around 2,500 charging points have been installed, although their precise location is not known.
The government grant has boosted sales - from 138 in 2010 to 1,1082 last year - but only £3.9million of the £300million set aside has been paid out.
A spokesman for the DFT told The Sunday Times: 'It's fair to say that there hasn't been a huge take-up over the past year.'
The high cost of electric cars has put many off. The Nissan Leaf still costs £25,990 even after the £5,000 grant has been deducted.
Electric cars are also only suitable for short journeys, with a maximum range of around 100 miles on a full charge.
The government is spending £30million on publicly-funded charging points and those in private companies.
These range from points which take between six and eight hours, to those which provide an 80 per cent charge in half an hour.
Drivers can pay an annual fee to use the majority of the points, with authorities charging a membership fee for the year but no extra charge for electricity.
full article
Sunday 15 January 2012
Which? urges halt to smart meter installation
The consumer group Which? said the cost of fitting the digital meters would fall on hard-pressed consumers, but the benefits would be reaped by energy companies which have announced record profits in recent years.
Ministers want energy companies to install the new generation of high-technology meters, which allow users to monitor their energy use in real-time, in all homes by 2020.
The flagship policy is a key part of plans to make the UK more energy efficient and was initially introduced by Ed Miliband, the Labour leader, while serving as energy secretary in the last government.
Smart meters will save energy giants hundreds of millions of pounds in administration costs as they will no longer have to pay staff to read meters.
Supporters say they will also enable consumers to reduce their energy consumption and take advantage of cheaper off-peak tariffs.
However, Which? said there is increasing evidence that consumers do not use less gas or electricity once a smart meter is installed.
It also said that some meters already installed can only be used with one energy provider – thereby discouraging home owners from shopping around for the best deal.
Richard Lloyd, executive director at Which?, said: "Consumers won't accept [smart meters] at any cost, or from suppliers they don't trust. It's naive to hope that competition in the energy market will keep under control the cost of installing smart meters in every home in the country.
"The Government must not write a blank cheque on behalf of every energy customer, especially at a time when millions of people are struggling to pay their bills.
"The energy department should stop and review the smart meter roll-out before it becomes an £11 billion fiasco."
A report by the Centre for Sustainable Energy, commissioned by Which? and seen by The Sunday Telegraph, states that there is a "meaningful risk … that the programme will fail consumers".
This week the Public Accounts Committee, a powerful panel of MPs, is also expected to publish a critical report on the introduction of smart meters.
British Gas, which has already installed nearly 400,000 smart meters in homes and business, urged the Government to continue with the programme.
Gearóid Lane, managing director of British Gas New Markets, said: "Our customers have told us loud and clear about how they are benefiting from smart meters.
"Smart meters put an end to the frustration of estimated bills, give customers more direct control over their energy use and open the door to new energy saving technologies.
"There is more to smart meters than just cost savings, and any slowdown of this crucial investment will frustrate energy customers."
Charles Hendry, the energy minister, said: "As Which? themselves reported last week, the major cause of complaints to energy companies is poor and inaccurate billing.
"Smart meters will mean more accurate information and an end to estimated billing – so no more nasty surprises for consumers.
"The benefits of smart meters are £18.1 billion for an £11 billion investment – that's a £7 billion net benefit to the nation, and we want to realise it sooner rather than later."
full article
Ministers want energy companies to install the new generation of high-technology meters, which allow users to monitor their energy use in real-time, in all homes by 2020.
The flagship policy is a key part of plans to make the UK more energy efficient and was initially introduced by Ed Miliband, the Labour leader, while serving as energy secretary in the last government.
Smart meters will save energy giants hundreds of millions of pounds in administration costs as they will no longer have to pay staff to read meters.
Supporters say they will also enable consumers to reduce their energy consumption and take advantage of cheaper off-peak tariffs.
However, Which? said there is increasing evidence that consumers do not use less gas or electricity once a smart meter is installed.
It also said that some meters already installed can only be used with one energy provider – thereby discouraging home owners from shopping around for the best deal.
Richard Lloyd, executive director at Which?, said: "Consumers won't accept [smart meters] at any cost, or from suppliers they don't trust. It's naive to hope that competition in the energy market will keep under control the cost of installing smart meters in every home in the country.
"The Government must not write a blank cheque on behalf of every energy customer, especially at a time when millions of people are struggling to pay their bills.
"The energy department should stop and review the smart meter roll-out before it becomes an £11 billion fiasco."
A report by the Centre for Sustainable Energy, commissioned by Which? and seen by The Sunday Telegraph, states that there is a "meaningful risk … that the programme will fail consumers".
This week the Public Accounts Committee, a powerful panel of MPs, is also expected to publish a critical report on the introduction of smart meters.
British Gas, which has already installed nearly 400,000 smart meters in homes and business, urged the Government to continue with the programme.
Gearóid Lane, managing director of British Gas New Markets, said: "Our customers have told us loud and clear about how they are benefiting from smart meters.
"Smart meters put an end to the frustration of estimated bills, give customers more direct control over their energy use and open the door to new energy saving technologies.
"There is more to smart meters than just cost savings, and any slowdown of this crucial investment will frustrate energy customers."
Charles Hendry, the energy minister, said: "As Which? themselves reported last week, the major cause of complaints to energy companies is poor and inaccurate billing.
"Smart meters will mean more accurate information and an end to estimated billing – so no more nasty surprises for consumers.
"The benefits of smart meters are £18.1 billion for an £11 billion investment – that's a £7 billion net benefit to the nation, and we want to realise it sooner rather than later."
full article
Saturday 14 January 2012
Liquid-cooled LED light
A revolutionary liquid-cooled LED light developed by a Californian-based firm is the first “eco” light that is as bright as a normal 100 watt bulb.
The new generation LED light bulbs are all set to go on sale and are expected to result in energy savings for consumers.
The design, developed by makers Switch, offers a longer life and a better performance than a regular bulb.
However, unlike the traditional design, it will use a fraction of the watts to emit a brightness that matches up to its 100-watt counterpart.
The bulb which was showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, is set to retail for £24 when it eventually goes on sale.
“The big thing about this bulb is it uses 80 per cent less energy than an incandescent,” the Daily Mail quoted Brett Sharenow, strategy officer for the company as saying.
“In commercial applications in general, they really would like to get back to the light quality that you get from an incandescent bulb,” he said.
The LED light bulbs are presently available only for the US 120-volt system, but the company plans to release versions of the bulbs for use in the UK and Europe by the end of 2012.
Sharenow believes the bulbs will be a particular hit in the UK, where energy costs are as much as double those in the US.
“For a commercial application, the payback is about six months. To commercial users, it is a no-brainer.” he added.
full article
The new generation LED light bulbs are all set to go on sale and are expected to result in energy savings for consumers.
The design, developed by makers Switch, offers a longer life and a better performance than a regular bulb.
However, unlike the traditional design, it will use a fraction of the watts to emit a brightness that matches up to its 100-watt counterpart.
The bulb which was showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, is set to retail for £24 when it eventually goes on sale.
“The big thing about this bulb is it uses 80 per cent less energy than an incandescent,” the Daily Mail quoted Brett Sharenow, strategy officer for the company as saying.
“In commercial applications in general, they really would like to get back to the light quality that you get from an incandescent bulb,” he said.
The LED light bulbs are presently available only for the US 120-volt system, but the company plans to release versions of the bulbs for use in the UK and Europe by the end of 2012.
Sharenow believes the bulbs will be a particular hit in the UK, where energy costs are as much as double those in the US.
“For a commercial application, the payback is about six months. To commercial users, it is a no-brainer.” he added.
full article
Friday 13 January 2012
Six easy tips on saving energy
Switch supplier
Nothing could be easier — in principle. But we all know that those comparison websites are a minefield. You spend ages punching in figures, but one mistake and you’re back where you started. More than a third of us have never made the switch.
What you need is someone to do the leg-work for you. So, come in incahoot.com. All that’s required is that you send them a copy of your latest bill and they will work out the best deal. They will even contact your old provider and set up a direct debit with the new company.
Get insulated
By simply installing cavity wall and loft insulation you can make savings of between £185 and £310 a year, according to the National Insulation Association.
What’s more, there are plenty of grants available to meet green targets set by the Government.
If you’re over 70 or on qualifying benefits, you might even be entitled to have the work done for free. Remember that nearly a quarter of all heat loss in an uninsulated house is through the roof. The recommended depth for mineral wool insulation is 270mm and you can do it yourself perfectly easily.
Visit nationalinsulationassociation.org.uk for more information.
Natural heat
There has been a big resurgence for wood-burning stoves in the past decade. No wonder. They are carbon-neutral, energy-efficient and have a habit of cheering people up.
Of course, open fires are atmospheric, but most of the heat goes up the chimney. While an open fire is estimated at being between 15 per cent to 20 per cent efficient, a wood-burning stove is about 70 per cent efficient. And wood is also one of the cleanest sources of energy.
‘Wood-burning cassettes,’ as they are called, are popular. They’re installed flush into a wall that backs into a chimney. Stovax.com (01392 474000) has a good range.
Green and clean
Hard water affects 60 per cent of Britain. What this means is that calcium builds up inside pipes, boilers and heating appliances, wasting energy. The result? It costs more to heat your home and shortens the life of your boiler, dishwasher and washing machine.
The solution? Install an electronic water conditioner that removes limescale, saving up to £200 a year from your fuel bill. Plug in the machine in and wrap its cord around the main incoming water pipe.
It costs £69.99 (special offer until end of January), guaranteed money back if you’re not happy (01491 419200, scalewizard.co.uk).
Tackle the draught
Wooden floors look lovely, but 15 per cent of heat can be lost through them. Put down rugs during winter and remove them in summer.
Windows and external doors will let in the cold. Buy self-adhesive foam strips to tackle the problem.
If you’re unsure where the draughts are coming from, walk around the house with a candle and see when it flickers.
Temperature control
Most of us live in homes that are far too hot. Turning the temperature down just one degree can save about £55 a year. Now put on a jumper and fill those hot water bottles.
Fuel bills are bad for your blood pressure — and your wallet. Mark Palmer has some simple remedies
full article
Nothing could be easier — in principle. But we all know that those comparison websites are a minefield. You spend ages punching in figures, but one mistake and you’re back where you started. More than a third of us have never made the switch.
What you need is someone to do the leg-work for you. So, come in incahoot.com. All that’s required is that you send them a copy of your latest bill and they will work out the best deal. They will even contact your old provider and set up a direct debit with the new company.
Get insulated
By simply installing cavity wall and loft insulation you can make savings of between £185 and £310 a year, according to the National Insulation Association.
What’s more, there are plenty of grants available to meet green targets set by the Government.
If you’re over 70 or on qualifying benefits, you might even be entitled to have the work done for free. Remember that nearly a quarter of all heat loss in an uninsulated house is through the roof. The recommended depth for mineral wool insulation is 270mm and you can do it yourself perfectly easily.
Visit nationalinsulationassociation.org.uk for more information.
Natural heat
There has been a big resurgence for wood-burning stoves in the past decade. No wonder. They are carbon-neutral, energy-efficient and have a habit of cheering people up.
Of course, open fires are atmospheric, but most of the heat goes up the chimney. While an open fire is estimated at being between 15 per cent to 20 per cent efficient, a wood-burning stove is about 70 per cent efficient. And wood is also one of the cleanest sources of energy.
‘Wood-burning cassettes,’ as they are called, are popular. They’re installed flush into a wall that backs into a chimney. Stovax.com (01392 474000) has a good range.
Green and clean
Hard water affects 60 per cent of Britain. What this means is that calcium builds up inside pipes, boilers and heating appliances, wasting energy. The result? It costs more to heat your home and shortens the life of your boiler, dishwasher and washing machine.
The solution? Install an electronic water conditioner that removes limescale, saving up to £200 a year from your fuel bill. Plug in the machine in and wrap its cord around the main incoming water pipe.
It costs £69.99 (special offer until end of January), guaranteed money back if you’re not happy (01491 419200, scalewizard.co.uk).
Tackle the draught
Wooden floors look lovely, but 15 per cent of heat can be lost through them. Put down rugs during winter and remove them in summer.
Windows and external doors will let in the cold. Buy self-adhesive foam strips to tackle the problem.
If you’re unsure where the draughts are coming from, walk around the house with a candle and see when it flickers.
Temperature control
Most of us live in homes that are far too hot. Turning the temperature down just one degree can save about £55 a year. Now put on a jumper and fill those hot water bottles.
Fuel bills are bad for your blood pressure — and your wallet. Mark Palmer has some simple remedies
full article
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