British Gas, Thames Water help customers conserve energy

British Gas and Thames Water have combined to help their customers save money by encouraging them to use water and energy more wisely.

The agreement will see the utility companies combine to promote energy-saving and water saving products. Customers will be able to explore a range of different energy saving measures – including solar panels, heat pumps, energy-efficient boilers, shower savers and dual-flush toilets.

Britain has experienced below–average rainfall for 17 of the last 22 months in the South East and a drought is expected to hit this summer. As a consequence, Thames Water is urging customers to do all they can to lower their water consumption by adopting energy saving measures.

David Bland of the Consumer Council for Water said: “It is refreshing to see two big utilities working together to benefit their customers and the environment. The link between energy and water is one that we all need to be mindful of, particularly with water in short supply in the Southeast this year and with energy prices not set to go downwards over the long term. For instance, often water in homes is heated up only to cool down then be re-heated again – a problem that can be addressed simply enough with a combination boiler.”

To mark the launch of the five-year deal, the partnership will be offering all 2.3 million eligible Thames Water customers free loft and cavity wall insulation. Upgrading the insulation of Britain’s housing stock will help radically reduce the nation’s CO₂ emissions as a quarter of the UK’s carbon emissions come from the energy used in homes and a similar amount comes from UK businesses, industry and workplaces.

The Green Deal, which hopes to revolutionise the energy efficiency market, has recently come under fire as proposed changes to the system of providing insulation grants to householders could lead to a 90 percent drop in insulation figures according to Government’s own figures. This is because, at present, energy companies absorb almost 100 percent of the cost of loft insulation but under the Green Deal, homeowners will have to pay for installation, putting a stop to such free insulation schemes.

Want to know exactly what the Green Deal covers and how it will be implemented? Join us at the Solar Power UK Roadshow: Coping with the Cuts. Book your place here.