Prices from energy suppliers could be reduced with efficient home appliances - 03/04/2009
Homeowners could have better access to cheap energy as the result of a European Union (EU) ruling regarding efficiency in domestic appliances.
Items ranging from televisions and freezers through to fridges and washing machines will have to comply with a minimum energy efficiency rating, which could help UK homeowners save £150 million a year on their energy bills.
The new system will involve comprehensive product labelling to make sure consumers understand how much energy an appliance will use, while devices failing to meet the minimum requirements will be taken off the market.
Lord Hunt, minister for sustainability at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said: "I'm delighted that the EU has joined together to save consumers money and help save significant amounts of energy and carbon dioxide emissions by introducing these minimum standards."
Homeowners could also reduce their energy use by using efficient light bulbs and boilers and by installing insulation, much of which is available for free or at discounted costs for low-income households.
If you want to find out more about your energy options and how you could save up to £378 in minutes, click here.
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