But just what are the top tips for saving energy?
TVs: On average a traditional cathode ray tube (CRT) television set uses 100 watts of power when in use and about two watts on standby.
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DVD players: Consumers can safely switch off most DVD players/recorders, hard disk recorders or video recorders purchased in recent years, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
They should not need to retune the devices when they are switched back on or have to contend with the dreaded flashing clock as the machines usually retain their settings.
However, manufacturers recommend that some satellite TV receivers be left in standby when not in use so they can receive updates.
Computers: It may not be practical to turn a computer on-and-off if it is to be used throughout the day.
However, the Energy Saving Trust suggests turning the monitor off when not in use. Peripherals like printers and scanners should also be turned off when not in use.
Leaving unnecessary items on standby is said to costs each household an average of £37 a year.
If chargers for devices such as mobile phones and MP3 players were unplugged when not in use, the UK could save enough electricity each year to power 115,000 homes.
Chargers are not huge energy consumers in their own right, but across the UK those left plugged in unnecessarily waste over £60m and are responsible for a quarter of a million tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.
If a charger feels warm when it is plugged in without being attached to a device it is still converting energy.
UK households spend £1.9bn on electricity every year for lighting. According to the Energy Saving Trust there is no truth in the belief that turning lights on causes a surge that uses up more electricity.
 Households are encouraged to switch to energy efficient light bulbs |
"If you are going out of a room for half and hour, or even 10 minutes, turn the lights off," said Dr Paula Owen, of the Energy Saving Trust.
"It does not harm the electricity supply or the bulbs. There is no point in burning electricity for no reason."
If all UK households replaced one light bulb with an energy efficient one, the money saved could pay about 75,000 family fuel bills a year.
Washing clothes at 30C as opposed to 40C, uses 40% less energy and is generally as efficient, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
Modern powders are designed to be more effective at lower temperatures.
Over-dependence on tumble dryers can also contribute to energy wastage.
Consumers are being encouraged to make sure they buy Energy Saving Recommended models when buying new appliances such as washing machines and fridges.
Turning the thermostat down by 1C can cut more than 10% from the average central heating bill.
Similarly, reaching for a jumper rather than turning the thermostat up when it gets really cold can be effective.
Check that your water isn't too hot. The cylinder thermostat should not need to be set higher than 60°C/140°F.
And dripping taps can waste enough water in a week to fill a bath.
Households with boilers over 15 years old are also advised to think about having them replaced it with a newer energy efficient model.
High efficiency condensing boilers can save a third on heating bills.
A major source of heat loss is through walls and windows so double glazing, closing curtains, cavity and loft insulation can prove to be cost-effective ways to save energy.
source : http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6076658.stm
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