Energy Myths Exposed

ENERGY MYTHS EXPOSED IT IS NOT THE ELDERLY STRUGGLING TO PAY Percentage who switch their heating off everyday in order to save money If the media are to be believed it is the over 60s who traditionally struggle to pay their heating bills. In fact, our survey shows that 18 – 39 year olds appear to be struggling more. 45% of people turn off their heating everyday to save money and a large proportion of these people are between 18 and 39 AGE 18-20 AGE 21-29 AGE 30-39 AGE 60-69 AGE 70+ 100% 66.7% 54.1% 41.1% 43.5% MANY YOUNG PEOPLE ARE BORROWING TO PAY HEATING BILLS 18.2% 17.1% Percentage questioned who have borrowed money in order to pay for heating or electricity 18 of 21-29 year olds admitted % to having to borrow money to pay for energy bills 4.0% 1.1% 0.0% AGE 18-20 AGE 21-29 AGE 30-39 AGE 60-69 AGE 70+ SOME ARE PAYING EXTORTIONATE INTEREST RATES How money to pay for bills is borrowed 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% PAY-DAY LOAN WEBSITE FRIEND FAMILY BANK-LOAN CREDIT CARD Of those who had borrowed to pay for their energy bills, a worrying percentage admitted to using credit cards to cover the cost. Even more worryingly some admitted to using payday loans which have interest rates of up to 4000% SOME EVEN FACE A 'HEAT OR EAT' CHOICE Percentage of those questioned who have felt forced to choose between paying for food or heating or electricity. More than 10% of respondents say they have had to choose between food and heating or electricity 18 more than once. .8% 25 .5% .9% • AGE 18-20 • AGE 21-29 AGE 30-39 AGE 60-69 729 AGE 70+ LESS TAX ON ENERGY WANTED LESS DEMAND FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY 80% agree that they would rather the government increase tax on cigarettes and alcohol and decrease taxation on energy bills 47.8% 20.2% of those asked said they would not be prepared to pay more to use energy from renewable sources. said they would be prepared to pay more to use energy from renewable sources. In tough economic times are green considerations being pushed to one side? Find EnergySavings Sources: Based on a survey of 1091 people conducted by Find Energy Savings in March 2012. Saving energy in the home is easy with Find Energy Savings. Visit www.findenergysavings.co.uk or call 0845 528 0977 almost