Households cut energy use by a quarter

Graham_Devon

Theres quite a bit of stuff in the house that in the last few years consumes less electricity that the device it replaced.

Laptops consume far less energy than a desktop PC. Tablets consumer even less. TV's consume far less, especially LED TVs over CRTs. Even washing machines have become more energy efficient. In the past 5 years, even traditional lightbulbs have been thrown out.

So decline energy usage is expected. Just a shame a declining bill doesn't follow.

If you've kept up with technology it's not hard to save energy as it comes with usage. If you can cut back at the same time as using technological advances, even better.

thedalmeny

Loughton_Monkey wrote: »

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.

While i often find your similes quite amusing, this is a bit of a stretch.

The NHS is an essential service provided to you, while it is reasonable to criticize the quality of that service it is not hypocritical to utilize it because by it's very nature it is a necessity.

You're receiving a state benefit which purpose is to elevate the financial burden on pensioners when it comes to something as essential as heating their own homes, yet in no way, shape or form need that financial assistance. You acknowledge on a personal level the sure ridiculousness of the system, yet you continue to receive it.

Now there are several opinions on whether you can 'opt-out', personally from seeing articles and even comments from Iain Duncan Smith you can.. I believe you should in turn cancel your receipt of such a benefit (if possible).

I think it's immoral to receive such a benefit which purpose is very clear, despite the fact the system allows you to profit from it. It's not good enough to simply stand by and continue on in the same way several thousand other pensioners are, particularly when you have the common sense to understand how bent it really is..

Cardew

Loughton_Monkey wrote: »

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

.

Unless you are on state benefits It has to be claimed initially at age 60 then it 'just comes'.

https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim

4. How to claim

You need to claim Winter Fuel Payment if you’ve not had it before and either of the following apply:

• you don’t get benefits or the State Pension
• you only get Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, or Child Benefit

thedalmeny

Cardew wrote: »

Unless you are on state benefits It has to be claimed initially at age 60 then it 'just comes'.

https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim

4. How to claim

You need to claim Winter Fuel Payment if you’ve not had it before and either of the following apply:

• you don’t get benefits or the State Pension
• you only get Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, or Child Benefit

My understanding is he receiving a state pension mate, likely was 'turned on' at the point in which he began receiving it...

wotsthat

I intend to pay the minimum in and take the maximum out.

Just like everyone else.

Cardew

thedalmeny wrote: »

You're receiving a state benefit which purpose is to elevate the financial burden on pensioners when it comes to something as essential as heating their own homes, yet in no way, shape or form need that financial assistance. You acknowledge on a personal level the sure ridiculousness of the system, yet you continue to receive it.

Actually it is paid at age 60 when many(the majority?) are not pensioners but in full time employment.

I wonder why you single out WFA as being more ridiculous than other non-means tested state benefits. e.g. Free prescriptions, eye tests, bus passes at 60.

Even the state retirement pension is not required by many people; is it immoral to receive this if you are still working, or even after working if you have sufficient income?

thedalmeny

Cardew wrote: »

Actually it is paid at age 60 when many(the majority?) are not pensioners but in full time employment.

I wonder why you single out WFA as being more ridiculous than other non-means tested state benefits. e.g. Free prescriptions, eye tests, bus passes at 60.

Even the state retirement pension is not required by many people; is it immoral to receive this if you are still working, or even after working if you have sufficient income?

I singled nothing out, it was directly mentioned in this thread and talked about in quite a blase manner.

There are several stupid ways in which the government approach's benefits, lets do one at a time though yeah? Otherwise we'll be here till rapture.

Think you'll find the WFA is set at 60 because the women pension age used to be set at 60, WFA is due to be phased upto the age of 65.

Cardew

thedalmeny wrote: »

My understanding is he receiving a state pension mate, likely was 'turned on' at the point in which he began receiving it...

He was getting a state pension at age 60?

If he waited to age 65 he would have lost out for 5 years unless he claimed. A relative of mine wasn't aware of WFA and lost out for 3 years and there is no backdating.

BobQ

Loughton_Monkey wrote: »

I believe that would be possible. What do you want me to do? Tell them I don't want my state pension either?

I don't claim it. It comes automatically, and I am convinced that if I sent it back, the over-paid muppets at DWP would spend more than £200 administering the return.

You should never look a gift horse in the mouth.

You could just donate it to the charity of your choice!:D

BobQ

wotsthat wrote: »

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.

I agree with NA1K (and I think yourself) that there are many ways that people have been able to reduce consumption over this period. Also as more modern houses are built and older ones modernised there is bound to be an increase in energy efficiency and the introduction of EPC will make people more conscious of what can be done.

In my own case in the last six years I have added cavity wall insulation, replaced three external doors and an inefficient skylight, and ensured all bulbs are energy efficient. I have also been more proactive in turning down the thermostats and not leaving things on standby. My consumption has reduced by 20%.