Energy Saving Day

Energy Saving Day, a 24-hour initiative aiming to reduce the UK's electricity use, began at 18:00, in an effort to curb climate change by turning off devices not in use. Aptly named E-Day, information will be updated real time from the National Grid, they will also monitor how much difference it makes to consumption, while power companies will identify customers wanting home insulation as part of the event.

"I'm delighted by the way in which so many organisations from all sectors of society have been prepared to see what they can do to help tackle climate change. They have offered to set aside their day-to-day differences in order to highlight that they accept the available science, agree that saving energy is a good idea, and want to simplify and widen access to some of the other potential solutions to climate change."
Dr Matt Prescott, Originator, E-day

Part of the Grid's job is to forecast demand for electricity. It says its forecasts are usually accurate to within 1% - so comparing demand across the 24 hours of E-Day with its predictions should provide an accurate measure of whether the initiative has made much difference.

However you can join in and follow the nations progress online at E-Day. Currently the UK is using 1.7% more electricity than normal. In contrast to the BBC planned Planet Relief, E-Day is less likely to cause problems for the National Grid, it's a good way of raising awareness of energy saving, however it is unfortunate that the event was not publicised more as empowering more people will have a stronger reaction.