Britons Aim To Continue Cutting Back On Gas And Electricity Costs

Being able to log online to compare prices and switch utilities suppliers with just a few clicks of a computer mouse means that millions of UK consumers have the potential to reduce their energy outgoings.

Despite this, growing numbers of Britons are also opting to cut back on their gas and electricity usage in a bid to save money, it has been revealed.

According to the latest analysis into consumer confidence undertaken by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), around seven in ten adults are now actively working to minimise their household costs.

As well as spending less on clothes, the study found that they are also making a conscious effort to cut back on their gas and electricity bills, with this increased consideration over leaving appliances on or fitting thick curtains so as to reduce drafts having the added bonus of reducing their carbon footprints.

Furthermore, even though consumer confidence was found to be on the rise, the findings of the study also suggest that this new-found sense of frugality will stick around for some time, regardless of whether the economy is experiencing a boom or a bust.

Indeed, 52 per cent of consumers polled stated an intention to carry on working to save on their gas and electricity bills even when the recession ends, whether this is through shopping around and switching suppliers or simply cutting back on their usage, or a savvy combination of the two tactics.

Such prudence could be wise should, as some fear, ordinary consumers be called upon to help foot the bill for a new generation of nuclear power stations.

According to a new report in the Times, British families could face an extra £227 being added onto their annual bills in order to part-fund the construction of four new reactors, to be set up across the country with the aim of meeting the energy demands of the future.

On the plus side, in the longer-term future, consumers could enjoy significant savings based upon their choice of energy.

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