Consumers would rather reduce emissions than bills, study claims

A survey of UK energy users has found that most people would rather reduce environmentally damaging carbon emissions than their own energy bills.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on Wednesday published fresh research suggesting that almost half (43 per cent) of those surveyed are more concerned about protecting the environment than the short-term price of electricity.

The findings comes the same week that energy secretary Amber Rudd sparked renewed political pressure on energy companies to reduce bills, in light of the fact that the threat of a Labour-led tariff freeze has fallen away.

“In recent years, spiralling energy prices have dominated the energy debate so it is refreshing to see that people are starting to acknowledge that it is worthwhile paying more now if we can protect the environment for future generations,” said the head of the IET’s energy policy unit Simon Harrison.

“Of course, keeping energy prices down will always be a major concern, particularly when it comes to protecting those struggling to pay their energy bills. But these findings do recognise the fact that energy prices are not the only challenge we face – and must be seen in conjunction with maintaining security of energy supply and reducing carbon emissions,” Harrison added.

The environmental concerns extend to the use of electric vehicles (EVs) with over 60 per cent of those currently using EVs or planning to in the future saying that safeguarding the environment is the main reason they do so.

Over a quarter of respondents said they already drive a hybrid or electric vehicle, or would be likely to do so in the next 15 years.  And 25 per cent were likely to install, or have already installed, solar panels, the study found.