Households cut energy use by a quarter

wotsthat

N1AK wrote: »

Not that big a surprise really. Efficient bulbs have taken off. Heating control systems, insulation, radiator thermostats, energy efficient appliances have all become more popular over that period. Modern TVs are also much more efficient. Sounds like a good news story to me, not sure it means a lot unless prices increased by less in the same period?

Prices have increased by more on average in the same period so average bills will be higher. However, those that decided not to reduce consumption will be paying dramatically more than those that did.

I'm paying no more than I paid 6 years ago and my bills weren't that high then. This year will likely be different due to the cold spring and I'm starting to lose the will to keep shouting at kids to turn stuff off after themselves.

OffGridLiving

Where are shortchanged and graham devon to refute these outlandish claims that when something goes up in price, people adapt?

Come on guys, this needs some serious refuting!

shortchanged_2

OffGridLiving wrote: »

Where are shortchanged and graham devon to refute these outlandish claims that when something goes up in price, people adapt?

Come on guys, this needs some serious refuting!

Yes this is good news renoman.

However there are still some people struggling.
http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-2386845/Struggling-families-burdened-1-05BILLION-energy-bills-afford-pay-fuel-poverty-hits-2-4million.html

http://www.utilityweek.co.uk/news/news_story.asp?id=199040&title=EDF+Energy+Trust+forced+to+cut+help+for+struggling+consumers

RichardD1970

thedalmeny wrote: »

Aren't you able to contact them and actually opt out of receiving this benefit, thus stopping you from being a gigantic douche-bag claiming benefit for something you don't actually need.

Pretty sure you can ring up and cancel your automatic payment...

As far as I'm aware you cannot opt out if the winter fuel allowance.

I saw a program a while ago where some very well known, very rich pensioners were complaining about it.

Apparently it would cost more to means test it than to just pay everyone.

A lot of them donated the money to charity.

System

I've turned my afternoon hot water booster down from 3 hours to 2.

Dunno much it saves but I felt good about myself afterwards.

thedalmeny

RichardD1970 wrote: »

As far as I'm aware you cannot opt out if the winter fuel allowance.

I saw a program a while ago where some very well known, very rich pensioners were complaining about it.

Apparently it would cost more to means test it than to just pay everyone.

A lot of them donated the money to charity.

You can actually, DWP site says you can cancel it..

Also found an article on it..

http://www.libdemvoice.org/opinion-just-0001-of-pensioners-hand-back-their-winter-fuel-payment-34306.html

Over 12.6 million people receive the WFP, and for the latest winter – 2012/13 – a grand total of 128 had an entitlement but elected not to receive the payment. Crunch the numbers and that’s about 0.001% opting out of their annual £100-£300 tax-free freebie.

Next pensioner i see driving a brand new E Class i'm going to pelt with eggs.

RichardD1970

thedalmeny wrote: »

You can actually, DWP site says you can cancel it..

Also found an article on it..

http://www.libdemvoice.org/opinion-just-0001-of-pensioners-hand-back-their-winter-fuel-payment-34306.html



Next pensioner i see driving a brand new E Class i'm going to pelt with eggs.

Seems to be some confusion about it

from Feb 2013

Earlier, from 2010, which I think is the one I was referring to

Gillybean

I was under the impression you can't send the WFP back or opt out of having it.

I have a recollection of an interview with one Lord Sugar who remarked how ludicrous that someone of his wealth should be given it. Says he donates his to GOSH.

RichardD1970

zeeshanaayan07 wrote: »

Thanks you very great information on this thread

Hmm, I smell someone spamming to get their post count up!

Loughton_Monkey

thedalmeny wrote: »

You clearly stated you believe providing the OAT Heating Allowance for somebody in your situation is stupid, hoping it gets changed...

Yet you still continue to claim it..

Bit rich criticizing the government have got it wrong when you perpetuate it...

Normally i think your posts are quite amusing, showing quite a bit of common sense... This however makes you look like a complete dimwit.

As I said, I don't 'claim' it. It just comes.

I criticise the Health Service, but still use it. When I am 75, do you think I should insist on paying a TV license, even though I don't believe they should give it?

Do you really think that a "complete dimwit" would normally get into a position of not 'needing' the heating allowance?

If the government decides to use my money [and yours] to redistribute in this way, I can object to it, but that doesn't mean I should refuse it.