Electricity bill slashing’s energy display devices could be loaned out from London’s libraries to help householders save on energy costs, under a novel plan promoted by Darren Johnson. The simple-to-use devices give feedback on how much electricity is being used and how much it costs, and can even give advice on what appliances can be switched off to help save money.
Libraries in Lewisham are already loaning out energy display devices, and Darren Johnson will ask the London Mayor to work with the boroughs in extending the scheme to all libraries in London.
Darren Johnson commented:
"Energy display devices could save the average London household up to £60 a year from their electricity bills. At a time when Londoners are feeling the pinch, this simple measure can go a long way to cut costs and cut carbon emissions too.
"When Londoners go to libraries to check out books or DVDs, they should be able to check out ways to save energy as well."
ENDS
Notes to Editors
1. Energy display devices are easy to use and simply clip on to power cables > -> so do not need any specialist installation.
2. Research from Oxford University> ‘> s Environmental Change Institute suggests that energy display devices can reduce electricity usage by 5-15% on average (http://www.eci.ox.ac.uk/research/energy/downloads/smart-metering-report.pdf). As average electricity bills are currently around £400 per year (http://stats.berr.gov.uk/energystats/qep221.xls), this means that the devices can save householders £20-60 per year.
3. More information on the Lewisham scheme is available at http://www3.lewisham.gov.uk/NewsAndEvents/News/SmartMeterLendingScheme.htm.