Blackpool revealed as the town most ‘switched on’ to energy efficiency in the North West

To mark the Big Energy Saving Week this week (22^nd-26^th January) Electricity North West, the region’s network operator, has revealed that Blackpool, alongside Preston, has the most energy efficiency champions in the region according to the results of its recent Switched On Energy Test. 

Although the majority (51 percent) of the survey’s 1,506 respondents across the North West were revealed to be energy champions, or ‘Energy Busting Beths’ – those that are really setting the benchmark when it comes to energy consumption by implementing lots of energy saving measures at home – Blackpool surpassed this figure, with 56 percent identifying as Energy Busting Beths.

A further 35 percent were named as ‘Energy Steady Eddies’ - those who are doing plenty to conserve energy, but know there’s more they can do while only nine percent identified as an ‘Energy Drain Jane’ - these people are missing out on saving energy and money and using more than their fair share of the earth’s resources, without thinking about the impact this will have for future generations.

The energy industry is rapidly changing and the demand on power networks is increasing which is why Electricity North West launched the survey to highlight the importance of energy efficiency and people’s behaviour in the way they use electricity in their homes and businesses.

The test asked participants a series of multiple choice questions linked to their energy usage to uncover the North West’s attitudes to energy efficiency, now and in the future. The results then establish which character they are – an Energy Drain Jane, Energy Steady Eddie or Energy Busting Beth, and offer simple tips to help them become more energy savvy.

Paul Bircham, Commercial Strategy and Support Director at Electricity North West, said: “While overall the results were encouraging, there is still more consumers in Blackpool could do. With the energy landscape facing the biggest change in its history it’s vital we all change our behaviour towards energy consumption. Getting ‘switched on’ means together, we can really transform our future and our communities by reducing the need for costly new infrastructure and ensuring future capacity and affordability.”  

With energy efficiency front of mind, Big Energy Saving Week focuses on raising public awareness of how to save money by making homes and businesses more energy efficient. Big Energy Saving Week is organised by Citizens Advice and is supported by regional Citizen’s advice bureaus, including Manchester and Lancashire West for the North West.  They also have support of numerous organisations, charities and companies including the Energy Saving Trust, Ofgem and the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

“Backed by the Government, the UK has made great steps towards greener, cleaner energy generation and I am pleased to see the people of Blackpool are playing their part. I am pleased to be able to say I represent the most energy efficient constituents in the region,” continued MP Paul Maynard. 

“We commissioned the survey to delve into people’s attitudes towards energy saving and really get them thinking about ways they can improve their efficiency. Big Energy Saving Week shares this sentiment so it is the perfect opportunity to reveal the results of our research.

“It’s essential that we work together with the British public to ensure that they are more efficient with their electricity usage around the home. This is not only to ensure that everyone has the power they need, when they want it, but to ensure that they can afford the energy they need,” adds Paul, Electricity North West.