Women more concerned about environmental impact of energy use

Women are more likely than men to worry about the impact of their energy use on the environment, according to new research.

A YouGov survey for the Energy Retail Association (ERA) showed that 94% of women agree that it's important to become more energy efficient for environmental reasons. The figure for men was 81%.

And in Wales, while most people want to improve their home energy efficiency (81%), cutting energy bills is also a higher priority for the Welsh (96%) than most other parts of Great Britain.

The study was commissioned by the Energy Retail Association, which represents the largest UK energy suppliers, to research public attitudes to saving energy. The ERA is encouraging the UK Government to press ahead with the installation of smart meters in every home within 10 years, to give consumers much more control over their energy use and the amount of carbon they emit.

Smart meters have also been backed by the Assembly which has stated that it recognises the potential for Smart Meters to increase energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and assist with tackling fuel poverty.

Across Britain as a whole the survey showed that 70 per cent of consumers believed their energy consumption would be reduced if they could see their usage in real monetary terms. New smart metering technology will allow consumers to see their gas and electricity use in cash terms and provide a real time display on a portable display device, online or possibly even through digital TV. This could help to cut emissions of carbon dioxide – which is widely believed to contribute to climate change.

If introduced, this next generation of meter will allow the energy supplier to communicate directly with the meter – ensuring customers receive accurate bills based on real time readings and bringing to an end estimated billing.

Smart meters would allow customers to switch instantly between pre-pay and pay monthly tariffs, just as they can with mobile phones. This option was popular with Welsh people responding to the survey with 79% saying that this concept was important. The new technology would also eliminate many of the costs associated with providing pre-pay meters, which would be an important factor for the estimated 20% of Welsh people currently living in fuel poverty.

The research also showed a high interest in Wales in the concept of micro generation as 79% found it appealing – whereby people use a range of technologies such as solar and wind power to produce their own energy. Smart meters would facilitate the sale of surplus energy back into the UK’s electricity grid.

Duncan Sedgwick, Chief Executive of the Energy Retail Association, said: "The survey shows that women are more switched on then men to the need for energy efficiency to help mitigate the effects of climate change. Welsh people as a whole are also very mindful of the environmental issue - and are also motivated by potential cost savings. Smart meters will provide consumers with information that can help them cut carbon emissions - as well as saving them money on their bills."

The energy industry is currently awaiting the government’s response to the Energy Consultation on future billing and metering technology.

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