People comparing energy companies could seek efficient Swansea apartments - 14/04/2009

People looking to switch gas and electricity companies may be interested to learn about a new energy-efficient apartment block proposed for Swansea.

Developer Coastal Housing plans to spend £10 million building nearly 70 apartments overlooking the Prince of Wales Dock in Swansea.

The apartment block would strive for a high energy efficiency rating by reducing carbon emissions by nearly 45 per cent and offering a biomass boiler alongside appliances such as low-flow showers and taps.

Geoff Pettifor, director of development with Coastal Housing, said: "We decided to take a significant step forward and aim for much higher environmental standards, but have been able to do this at minimal additional cost because the design was linked to the Code for Sustainable Homes from the outset."

He added that the development could be the first of its kind in Wales and could help reduce the impact of price rises from energy companies.

The government in Westminster recently announced plans to insulate every UK home within the next few years.

Mark Todd, of energyhelpline.com, said: "UK households can fight back. Using a switching service, they can compare energy prices and switch gas and electricity to a much cheaper option. The average customer can save up to £378 in a few minutes."

If you want to find out more about switching energy suppliers and how you could save up to £378 in minutes, click here.