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Cheap gas and electricity may help property sellers
Improving a home so that it looks its best has become a priority for an increased number of people since the recession began, but many could be forgetting the importance of cheap gas and cheap electricity.
Anna-Marie DeSouza, editor of Build It magazine, says the period of economic decline has made people realise just how important their property is.
And those planning to sell a house have found they must find its “maximum potential”, which may include the provision of an efficient energy system.
Putting technology in place to lower consumption of power and achieve cheap gas and electricity bills may be highly desirable to buyers, as could an ongoing deal with a cheap dual fuel supplier.
“Transforming [homes] to their maximum potential not only provides you with a fantastic place to live, but is a sound investment too,” Ms DeSouza states.
Recent research by Everest found that 18 million people in the UK plan to improve their property within the next year.
Business energy costs ‘can decrease with improved efficiency’
A switch of energy provider is not the only way for firms to enjoy a significant reduction in their business energy costs.
Craig Bennett, director of policy and campaigns at Friends of the Earth, says companies should tackle the issue of efficiency within their workplace in order to cut down on consumption of gas and electricity.
He admits there are a number of challenges thrown up by climate change, but there are also plenty of chances to benefit from it.
“There are huge opportunities for businesses to reduce their costs by becoming more efficient in the way they use fuel and making sure that they’ve got efficiency measures in place,” the expert states.
Mr Bennett is speaking after a body advising the government said climate change is already taking effect in the UK.
The Adaptation Sub-Committee noted annual temperatures since the 1970s have been rising by one degree Celsius.
Low-income families may target cheap dual fuel suppliers
Low-income families that are hit by the proposed spending cuts in the UK may wish to try and improve their financial situation by comparing electricity prices and finding a cheap dual fuel supplier.
Unfortunately for many, cutbacks in the economy are necessary, including those that have an effect on people with the smallest budgets, says an expert.
Phil Flaxton, chief executive officer at Work Wise UK, says the government appears determined to reduce its spending.
“In an ideal world more support should be given to [those on] low incomes. The bigger picture appears to be that we’re all going to have to take some of the pain,” he states.
Homeowners could decide to follow the government’s lead and start slashing the size of their own outlays, something a deal with a cheap dual fuel supplier may help to achieve.
A recent report by the Institute for Public Policy Research suggested proposals to freeze pay and reduce hours has the same effect as cutting income.
