My Smart Meter

I recently wrote how Northern Ireland Electricity are carrying out a pilot scheme to install smart meters into customers homes in an effort to allow householders greater access to information which could reduce their energy consumption. Having now had my smart meter installed at the end of January I first accessed my account today, having allowed two weeks of energy use without the realisation of being watched, at least not by my family anyway.

The device installed automatically records the information on energy use and sends this daily via phone link to NIE each morning (ie Sunday's usage would be sent Monday at 03:00am). This information is then immediately available via a special website where you can view or export this information. You can view graphical charts, with monthly, daily or half hour readings, which can be viewed in kWh, kW, £ or CO2 emissions.

Other benefits include accurate bills taken from your bank account via direct debit each month on the specific energy used rather than estimated amounts. It allows you to see your attempts to reduced energy immediately rather than from your next quarterly bill; and of course paperless billing.

Canadian research over two-years suggests the overall reduction in consumption was 10%. Other studies have resulted in more conservative reductions of 7%. It will be interesting to see if we can achieve results on a similar scale, and if this will be increased through higher energy costs and economic uncertainty.

Other energy suppliers are also trialling smart meters and if you are interested in getting one installed you should contact your supplier to see if this is available, you can also purchase energy monitors with computer packages that can show you energy consumption real time such as the Wattson Energy Monitor.

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How Much Energy Does GHD Hair Straighteners Use?

Its been a while since we added products to our how much energy does section, and the first product of 2009 is for the fashionista's out there. GHD hair straighteners, are an item many can not live without, where ever they are in the world. Not only are they an essential, its a serious emergency should your bags get lost. But is this little gadget drawing enough energy to cause climate change?

Well we tested standard GHD straighteners (model ghd3) over a five minutes, the typical hair straightening time frame for medium length hair.

Initially, for the first minute of use from cold, the straighteners reached 300W, then as they warmed to temperature, this reduced to 120W, for the remainder of their use during the trial period they drew between 55W and 106W, with an average of approximately 79W.

Over the five minute period that the straighteners were used, they drew an average of 123W. This would equate to 1.6p an hour, or 0.13p per use. This equates to 56.7g of CO2 per hour use and 4.72g of CO2 per use (of five minutes).

But don't forget to switch them off or not only will they burn a hole in your work surface, maybe your pocket and the environment too.

For information on the electricity consumption of other products check out "How Much Electricity Does a ... Use?"

Please Note the energy use figures are taken from an energy monitor and are not scientifically analysed, therefore the range and margin of error is greater. If you would like a specific product tested let us know and we will endeavour to check it out.

Picture: Protests at Power Cuts

Nepalese workers protest against power cuts in Kathmandu - where the government-owned Nepal Electricity Authority blames low water levels at hydroelectric dams.

CO2/kWh

Supplier	Coal	Natural Gas	Nuclear	Renewable	Other	CO2	Nuclear Waste	Disclosure Year
British Gas	18.0	56.0	20.0	4.0	2.0	0.382	0.0022	2007
Ecotricity	23.8	22.8	25.9	24.1	3.3	0.316	0.0029	2007
EDF Energy	47.0	29.0	17.0	5.0	2.0	0.540	0.0018	2007
Good Energy	0.0	0.0	0.0	100.0	0.0	0.000	0.0000	2007
Green Energy	0.0	68.0	0.0	32.0	0.0	0.136	0.0000	2007
npower/RWE	44.0	37.0	13.0	3.0	3.0	0.543	0.0015	2007
Powergen	42.0	36.7	14.2	3.6	3.5	0.530	0.0020	2007
Scottish & Southern Energy	30.6	57.8	0.8	10.2	0.6	0.489	0.0001	2007
ScottishPower	55.2	36.7	1.0	6.8	0.3	0.630	0.0001	2007
Utilita	33.0	39.0	21.0	4.0	3.0	0.460	0.0025	2006
UK average	35.8	38.8	18.6	4.7	2.1	0.461	0.0025	2007

CO2 in Kg/kWh

In Search of Clean Power

In this, the last of his Big Ideas programmes, James May (of Top Gear fame) tries to find smarter, brighter and bolder ways of powering the planet for future generations. So James sets off on a global search to find people who share his dream. It takes him from Guildford, where he takes a solar powered car to its limit at night, to the US where he joins some aerospace engineers who are trying to build an 'elevator' into space.

In Holland, he meets the first Dutchman in space who has put away his rockets and has swapped them for kites as he tries to harvest the power of the jet-stream. And finally, in the deserts of New Mexico, James seeks out some modern-day alchemists, who offer the promise of allowing him to drive his car on petrol conjured out of thin air.

There will be a few familiar sites in this episode with the Marine Current Turbine in Strangford Lough and the Solar Tower in Saville, which have previously been mentioned in this blog.

You can catch this program on the BBC iPlayer for a few days yet.

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Bulb Ban = Bulb Hoarders

It may seem irrational to us all that in times when energy costs are going up, some individuals would be wanting to keep their incandescents, but in the run up to the voluntary January 2009 bulb ban (which will see 150W and 100W bulbs removed from all major retailers with all incandescents removed by 2011).

There are good reasons why a ban on incandescents are a good thing, both environmentally and politically. Lighting accounts for anywhere from 8 - 19% of our total energy use, and it is expected that the ban will reduce our energy consumption annually by 5.5%, or 9200GWh, in the process reducing CO2 emissions by 5m tonnes, the equivalent of the expected CO2 saving of the Severn barrage. This also begs the question, why build a £10 billion super structure when in reality all you have to do is ban a bulb, costing a few million pounds, with the same positive outcome. Obviously the barrage can still come along later to reduce emissions even further, provide clean energy and help the government meet renewable energy targets.

Reducing the amount of electricity used in real terms through measures like this also reduce the demand on energy, and the materials used to provide that energy, which also reduces the end cost to the consumer across all major fuel sources. By reducing the total energy used nationwide, you also have a higher output in percentage terms from your renewable energy sources, without having to install further capacity.

But why did the government choose not to go for an all out ban, like Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and the US. This would have made it illegal to obtain the bulbs even from specialist retailers, however how could this be punished under law, it may make an interesting court case followed by the media, and the crime, threatening national energy security .. maybe. But by default with so many countries implementing a ban, manufactures stop production, importation of bulbs in quantity from Asia regions grind to a halt, introducing new smaller supply changes, thus increasing the cost of bulbs, it is likely however to increase the price of the standard bulb dramatically. Already both the 150W and 100W bulbs are a hard to find item at your local supermarket as supplies dry up.

Hence why some people have turned to stockpiling incandescent bulbs, concerns seem to be more aesthetic than safety-conscious.

"It's a bad idea. They're not only bad for the climate but mean a bigger electricity bill. Incandescent light bulbs were invented in the 1880s and use 80% more electricity than energy saving ones. The time has come to move into the 21st Century."
Ben Stewart, Greenpeace

On 16 & 17 April 2008, the Energy Saving Trust carried out a lightbulb ‘Pepsi’ challenge at Bluewater Shopping Centre to see if the public could tell the difference between traditional and Energy Saving Recommended lightbulbs.

For the experiment two identical booths were specially built each with a lounge – one lit with a traditional light bulb and one lit with an energy saving one.



Members of the public were then asked to enter each of the booths for ten seconds and say whether they could tell which one contained the energy saving lightbulb, and which one they preferred.

Out of 761 shoppers, 53 per cent either got it wrong or could not spot the difference, despite 70 per cent of shoppers being confident that they would be able to spot the energy efficient lightbulb before they did the test. The shoppers were not told whether they had guessed right, but 64 per cent of people claimed to prefer the light produced by the energy efficient light bulb.

"I think the results are extremely encouraging and go to show just how much the quality of light from energy efficient lightbulbs has improved since they were first introduced. Not only that, but there are now a far wider range of energy efficient bulbs available, including dimmers. The days of bulky, ugly looking energy efficient bulbs, which gave poor light quality are long gone. Clearly, the public have had their own ‘lightbulb’ moment too, with sales of energy efficient lightbulbs jumping from 10 million in 2006 to 21 million in 2007."
Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive, Energy Saving Trust

Maybe the solution is bulb amnesties in the streets of Britain where you can get rid of your old 100W bulbs in exchange for a free energy saving bulb, that way the county would be rid of those high wattage bulbs, from of course the people willing to give them up.


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New Energy Efficient Ad On TV Now

Ad Courtesy Of Act On CO2

A £6m TV ad campaign encouraging householders to make steps to make their homes more energy efficient was launched on Wednesday.

Following a rise in the number of people calling energy efficiency advice lines, the adverts, directed by This is England director Shane Meadows, are to air from tonight.

"Apart from the fact that I really liked this campaign because it's funny and well written, I was also interested in making some films that might make a difference to the way people behave. If these films can make a few more people aware of the problem and actually do something, then it's got to be a worthwhile project."
Shane Meadows

The advert shot by Meadows show a father trying to get his family to cut their energy consumption, reducing their gas and electricity bills and reducing their carbon emissions.

ACT ON CO2 advice line from the Energy Saving Trust has reported that the amount of calls it has received has quadrupled since the government announced a £910 million package to help householders become more efficient.

Taking steps such as ensuring all sockets are tuned off, installing insulation and using energy saving appliances are among the recommendations the advice line ACT ON CO2 has been handing out.

"I am encouraged that following last week's announcement, people are looking to take action to cut their fuel bills and save energy at the same time. We now need to build on that enthusiasm."
Hillary Benn, Environment Secretary

The government package aims to make sure all homes have proper insulation by 2020.

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Google & GE - A Powerful Voice

Yesterday Google and General Electric (GE), announced plans to join together to develop a "smart" electric power grid, promote clean energy and lobby Washington and persuade politicians to push for major policy changes in energy.

The pairing is the strongest business alliance in support of the renewable energy sector, Google is involved in geothermal, solar and wind-generated electricity, and GE is now one of the biggest players in the wind power industry, developing hybrid locomotives, water reuse solutions and photovoltaic cells.

"There is no such thing as a perfect free market. It is a market that needs a little catalyst from the government and then I think the entrepreneurial dollars will flow to that."
Jeff Immelt, CEO, GE

The benefits of renewable electricity can not be fully realised without updating US power transmission lines into a "smart grid" that lets people track and control what types of power they use and when, both Google and GE believe that they can contribute to implementing this grid.


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30kW Hydro Electricity Site Reduces CO2 by 100t a Year

A new chapter in Northern Ireland’s search for a sustainable future has been opened with the completion of a hydroelectric scheme in Ballycastle.

Local farmer John McCambridge has re-energised a 100 year-old hydro system on his land, installing a new cross flow turbine, the first of its kind in the area. The turbine has been built on the Carey River near the Cushendall Road in Ballycastle.

The project was funded by Interreg IIIA through the Special EU Programmes Body, Northern Ireland Electricity’s Smart Programme and by Mr McCambridge himself. Producing around 200,000 units of renewable electricity every year, the new 30kW hydro generating system will reduce the amount of CO2 emitted into the local atmosphere by up to 100 tonnes each year.

"It has been great to develop this site from the old turbine, which was no longer performing to its full potential. We have replaced it with a modern turbine, which enables us to maximise the hydro power available to us. This allows us as a business to reduce our carbon emissions on the local environment and in turn also reduces our energy costs. We will also be installing a wood chip boiler for domestic purposes, it will be fuelled by willow coppice, which at presently is growing on our farm, thus allowing us to reduce our carbon footprint further. I believe renewable energy will be a vital part of our farming business now and for future generations to come."
Eoin McCambridge, Manager, Hyrdo Electricity Scheme

The existing plant had been in operation for over 100 years, up until 2003. The 30kW German manufactured turbine was installed last year, and Eoin has used the existing weir to drive the new, more efficient turbine and generate electricity. The bulk of the electricity generated will be used in a newly constructed drying facility for willow chips, and the rest will be used on the farm.

“There is enormous potential in Northern Ireland for hydro generated electricity and this project will benefit the local community through the reduction of CO2. There is a number of existing, out of use hydro generating systems in Northern Ireland and many of these could be easily put back into operation. Hydro technology not only has high levels of operational reliability, it also is low maintenance and low in operating costs. NIE is keen to encourage more landowners to invest in hydro projects, which will add to Northern Ireland’s clean, renewable electricity capacity. Any electricity generated, which is not used onsite, can be exported back to the grid and be purchased by NIE Energy.”
Claire Carson, NIE Energy

Picture: Generic 30kW Hydro System

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NIE Testing Smart Meters

Northern Ireland Electricity are to conduct a trial in to Smart Meters, and are looking for willing participants. The system will make use of accurate real time data, which can be viewed online, and tell you exactly how much electricity is being used in your home at any time.

Taking part is free and offers;

• Internet based monthly bills
• Real-time data on electricity consumption
• Accurate (not estimated) bills
• Paperless billing
• Remote readings of meter
• Email based customer support

The trial will last around twelve months. To participate you must be a NIE customer on a Home Energy or Eco Energy Tariff, paying their bills by direct debit, access to the internet, an email address, and individual meter and no arrears on their account. Numbers are limited.

For further information contact Kathryn on 028 9068 5028 or email smartmeter@nieenergy.co.uk

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Northern Ireland Energy Prices Increase Again

Electricity and gas prices are to increase in Northern Ireland by 33% and 19% respectively. Following on from an increase of 14% in July announced by NIE for electricity in July and a 28% increase in gas prices announced by Phoneix for gas in May. Both are blaming the increases on the wholesale prices of fuel.

"We don't make a penny more from this increase, this price increase is driven purely by the increase in our wholesale prices."
Stephen McCully, NIE Energy


"These price rises are truly shocking for consumers and people will struggle to cope. Having considered all the information provided to us, we accept that Phoenix's level of increase bears scrutiny and is broadly in line with the rest of the UK. However, NIE Energy's scale of increase is not and it needs urgent and further explanation - in just 10 months their rate of increase has almost doubled compared to the rest of the UK, even though we are told that global energy prices are behind these rises. The Consumer Council cannot accept an increase of this scale until this fundamental question is fully answered. In the absence of competition, consumers need to be fully satisfied that the regulatory system works."
Eleanor Gill, Consumer Council

"We don't approve proposals for price rises without extensive scrutiny. We regret having to approve major price rises and are conscious of the impact that this will have on household budgets in Northern Ireland. We have worked hard to try to minimise the burden of the increase on low income consumers in particular. Specifically, we have directed NIE Energy to take specific steps to prevent price increases disproportionately impacting on Economy 7 users, who tend to be on low incomes.
Iain Osborne, The Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation

Whilst it is not surprising that the energy prices have risen again, it was mentioned that there was likely back in July, it is quite a shock that they have risen so sharply. For those in the position that are already struggling it is a devastating blow, and those that aren't so badly off it is still an extra burden.

Those that are struggling should contact their suppliers to see what help exists for those that are fuel poor, there should be a subsidised tariff.

Those that are also stuggling should take advantage of energy grants specifically available to them.

If you search this blog, we have lots of information on how to reduce your energy bills information on grants. Further information is also available at the Energy Saving Trust website, and on their freephone number 0800 512 012.

If you really want to find out a bit more face to face, you can always visit the Lifestyle Green 2008 show this Saturday at Castle Espie. On hand will be numberous organisations that can assist you in reducing your energy consumption, including installing energy saving measures for free.

We also have our Energy Saving Tips page, and our Winter Warmer Ideas which could help you reduce your fuel bills this winter.

If you would like to know more or would like specific free advice, please feel free to email us at support@howtosaveenergy.co.uk.


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Is The Government Right to Scrap the One-Off Winter Fuel Payment?

The government today announced that it would not be providing the much anticipated "Fuel Payment Plan" of £150 to seven million households, which was originally announced in the media last month after it was leaked by a senior civil servant travelling on a train. Is this the right decision?

Our homes consume energy, copious amounts of it. 83% of domestic energy is used for space and water heating, and in the huge majority of homes this is done in an inefficient way. One-off payments purely provide assistance in the short-term, delaying the issue and exacerbating the situation further. In addition by providing a "subsidised" fuel, encourages the user to continue to use energy in an inordinate way, becoming reliant on benefits to subsidise their existence. Reduction of consumption has not be ingrained into the mindset of the individual, increased consumption, increased demand, and whilst on a global scale, relatively minor, increased prices, inevitably leading to further hardship.

By focusing on reducing energy consumption, via energy efficient technologies such as cavity wall insulation and loft insulation, this assists with the core aims of a reducing dependency of fossil fuels and lowering CO2 emissions. It is an investment for the future and progresses the nation towards a low carbon economy. It alleviates the burden on the tax payer, freeing up future revenue to be invested in further projects. By empowering individual awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of reducing their consumption, this kick-starts a revolution of energy savers.

According to Uswitch, this year the average annual household bill will be £1,467, up 61% on last year. As a whole, this equates to an annual spend for domestic households of £31bil annually, of a total UK consumption expected to exceed £200bil (three times the level of 1998). If all households that could install the two measures mentioned above did so, with the help of government grants or assistance, we could reduce UK energy use in monetary terms by 0.88% per annum, and reduce UK CO2 emissions by approximately 8.4m tonnes.

Political benefits from energy efficiency in the long-term oppose to "short-term gimmicks", reduced reliance on imported 'old sun' energy, sustained decreased in energy consumption, reduced CO2 emmissions from point of implementation year-on-year, improved air quality and decrease in associated illnesses.

Whilst I believe the that the government has made the right decision, those that will suffer from this announcement, are those most in need of support, however there is genuine help available to those who are fuel poor, individuals on certain benefits, and even for those that are not.

Specific advice is available, you can contact the Energy Saving Trust or, if you contact us via email, with information about your current energy use, type of housing, installed heating methods, your location, energy supplier details. We will try to find the best solution to reduce your energy bills right now for free, through grants, support and practical advice.

Further information on how you can reduce your energy consumption this winter is available on our Winter Energy Saving Ideas page.


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How Much Energy Does a Hotpoint Freezer Use?

Fridges and Freezers can account for over 30% of the electricity you use in your home, as they are constantly on, drawing electricity for cooling cycles over the day as and when required, therefore to gauge how much energy the freezer used in our test, we measured the electricity consumption over a 24hr period. You should be proud, I braved the garage at 1am, with spiders just to get the reading.

For this test we measured the Hotpoint RZA54G graphite tall freezer with an energy rating of A, from the product specifications it should use approximately 257kWh per year, this equates to about 0.7kWh/day, however this is the manufactures test using their optimum settings.

We measured the freezer using the mid-setting of (3) for 24hrs.

Total Electricity Consumed; 0.78kWh over 24 hrs (average of 32.5W)

Over a year this would equate to 284.7kW or £37.01 and 153kg of CO2

Consider if your fridge or freezer is 10 years old, it could be using twice as much, or over 15 years old, and you could be looking at four times this figure.

Energy Saving Tips for Fridges and Freezers;

• Keep to a minimum the number of times and length you keep the door open, this not only saves electricity but reduces wear
• Keep fridges and freezers away from heat sources and direct sunlight if possible
• Keeping your fridge and freezer full will reduce the energy required to keep the fridge cool
• Defrost frozen food in the fridge, this will reduce the energy the fridge requires to keep at a constant temperature and is safer than defrosting at room temperature
• Keep the condenser coils clean and dust-free, allow space for air to circulate, and do not block vents
• Defrost fridges and freezers regularly as this ensures that they are working more efficiently
• If your fridge or freezer is older than 10 years, a new energy efficient model could half your refrigeration costs
• Ensure the doors seals are tight and working by closing the door on a piece of paper, if it can easily be removed, consider replacing the seals
• Consider installing an eCube, which reduces the number of cooling cycles required as it measures food temperatures not air temperature

For information on the electricity consumption of other products check out "How Much Electricity Does a ... Use?"

Please Note the energy use figures are taken from an energy monitor and are not scientifically analysed, therefore the range and margin of error is greater. If you would like a specific product tested let us know and we will endeavour to check it out.

How Much Electricity Does a Dell Dimension C521 PC Use?

Computers are part of our every day life, no matter what our occupation. Computers are alledgedly responsible for as much CO2 as the shipping and airline industries, whether it be huge servers needing cooled or your standalone PC at home they take power, some more than others. But just how much power?

We tested a Dell Dimension c521 Desktop PC, manufactured in April 2007. Yesterday we published details of the Dell LCD monitor that came with this PC.

Shut Down; 3W

Start-up; 70 to 105W (Average approximately 81W)

Start-up (Logging into Vista); 100 to 111W

In Vista; 56 - 101W (Average approximately 90W)

Energy Saving Ideas for your PC

• Turn off Bluetooth, Infared and Wifi when not required
• Remove programs from start-up that are not required
• Instead of a screensaver, set up your computer to auto-snooze
  
• Close programs not in use
• Shut down rather than allow the computer to snooze
• Shedule auto-shutdown if you want to finish downloading files
  

Leaving your PC on for a year would use 788kWh and emit 426kg of CO2 and cost about £102.44.

For information on the electricity consumption of other products check out "How Much Electricity Does a ... Use?"

Please Note the energy use figures are taken from an energy monitor and are not scientifically analysed, therefore the range and margin of error is greater. If you would like a specific product tested let us know and we will endeavour to check it out.

How Much Energy Does a Dell 19" LCD Monitor Use?

About 75% of us use LCD monitors, with the remainder using CRT monitors, but just how much energy does one use. We tested the Dell 19" Widescreen LCD SE198WFPf (image above is generic), manufactured in April 2007.

Standby: 1 to 2W

Brightness (75)

White Screen: 25W
Black Screen: 25W
General Screen: 25W

Brightness (100)

White Screen: 34W
Black Screen: 34W
General Screen: 34W

Brightness (00 ... You can still see everything but its very dull)

White Screen: 20W
Black Screen: 20W
General Screen: 20W

Leaving your LCD monitor on for a year would use 219kWh and emit 120kg of CO2 and cost about £28.47 at a brightness of 75

Ways to reduce your energy consumption;

• Switch Off when not in use
• Switch Off at mains on shut down
• Screensavers are pretty but environmentally unsound
• Lower the brightness of your monitor

Compare this to a CRT monitor, which typically use three times the energy of a LCD monitor, or about 75W (measurements vary for different colours).

CRTs may also contain toxic phosphors within the glass envelope. The glass envelopes of modern CRTs may be made from heavily leaded glass, which represent an environmental hazard. Indirectly heated vacuum tubes (including CRTs) use barium compounds and other reactive materials in the construction of the cathode and getter assemblies; normally this material will be converted into oxides upon exposure to the air, but care should be taken to avoid contact with the inside of all broken tubes.

In some jurisdictions, discarded CRTs are regarded as toxic waste. In October 2001, the United States Environmental Protection Agency created rules stating that CRTs must be brought to special recycling places. In November 2002, the EPA began fining companies that disposed of CRTs through landfills or incineration. Regulatory agencies, local and statewide, monitor the disposal of CRTs and other computer equipment.

In Europe, disposal of CRT televisions and monitors (as well as all electrical goods) is covered by the WEEE Directive.

For information on the electricity consumption of other products check out "How Much Electricity Does a ... Use?"

Please Note the energy use figures are taken from an energy monitor and are not scientifically analysed, therefore the range and margin of error is greater. If you would like a specific product tested let us know and we will endeavour to check it out.

Want to Invest in Wind Power?

From today you can invest in a UK based wind farm of 19 turbines, with maximum output of 47.5MW. Shares in the Kilbraur Wind Energy Co-operative, up to the value of £1.8 million will be available for purchase to locals in the largest wind farm co-op in the UK.

Shares will cost £1 each and residents will have to buy a minimum of £250 up to £20,000 before October 24. Although anybody in the UK can buy shares, priority will be given to residents of Sutherland, then Caithness, Ross-shire and City of Inverness. Members of the 15 other co-operatives run by Energy4All will also get priority on buying shares.

Energy4All was formed in 2002 to expand the number of renewable energy co-operatives in the UK as an integral part of our transition to a low carbon economy.

Community-owned green energy is the corner stone of European renewable expertise and has worked successfully in the UK since 1996 through the award-winning Baywind Co-op.

Energy4All is uniquely owned by the co-operatives it assists; Baywind Energy Co-operative Ltd, Westmill Wind Farm Co-operative Ltd, Boyndie Wind Farm Co-operative Ltd, Fenland Green Power Co-operative Ltd, Isle of Skye Renewables Co-operative Ltd and Great Glen Energy Co-operative Ltd. As additional co-ops are established they too will take a share in this growing organisation.

Energy4All offers a highly successful combination of industry experience, community involvement, and business acumen providing a package of sector, admin, and financial services to Co-ops in return for an annual fee.

Energy4All was created due to daily enquiries received by Baywind Co-operative from people looking to replicate the success of Baywind, the UK's first community-owned wind farm. Baywind co-op has generated enough green electricity to power 1,300 homes a year whilst paying an attractive return to its 1,350 members (averaging 7% per annum), and supporting local initiatives, such as the Baywind Energy Conservation Trust. Owning a wind farm increases awareness of and involvement in renewable energy developments, maximises financial returns from local resources, and mobilises environmental concern.

"We're ethical, green and democratic - we have local people on the boards for each co-op. With Kilbraur we'd like our existing members to take an interest, and we'd particularly like people from the local town of Inverness to invest. If we can match our other projects and reach £1 million of investment, then we'll be very happy."
Paul Phare, Scotland development manager for Energy4All



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How Much Electricity Does an Energizer Battery Charger Use?

Batteries are said to consume fifty times the energy in production as the end product contains, so it makes environmental and economic sense to invest in a battery charger and rechargable batteries, if you use high energy consumption products such as digital cameras again its a real necessity, they can be reused again and again, sometimes up to 1000 times before they die. We tested the Energizer CH1HR-BS, which is a high-powered charger capable of charging 4 x 2500mAh AA batteries in an hour.

Charger attached to power supply, no batteries being charged (vampire power) - 3W

1 AA Battery - 9 to 11W
2 AA Batteries - 12 to 15W
3 AA Batteries - 16 to 19W
4 AA Batteries - 18 to 22W

So charging 4 batteries, is likely to cost you 0.022kWh, less than half of a penny, compared to several pounds for disposable batteries, it makes sense to choose rechargables.

For information on the electricity consumption of other products check out "How Much Electricity Does a ... Use?"

Please Note the energy use figures are taken from an energy monitor and are not scientifically analysed, therefore the range and margin of error is greater. If you would like a specific product tested let us know and we will endeavour to check it out.

What Happens When We All Switch on the Kettle at The Same Time?

We have previously discussed the role of the National Grid in ensuring that the "lights" remain on permanently in the UK, one error and we could be plunged into darkness. The popularity of a comparatively small number of channels, combined with the country’s legendary tea-drinking habits and a marked preference for the electric kettle rather than stove-top varieties make TV pick-ups a uniquely British phenomenon.

Surges of electricity are not uncommon for the National Grid, but a mass exodus of power consumption is. Surges often range from 300MW, 60 times the maximum output of the RePower 5MW wind turbine, to in excess of 3200MW. These are normally down to what are known as TV pick-ups. The National Grid faces a constant challenge. It must provide enough energy, and not too much, and it must keep the frequency at 50hz.

"The way to think about it is to imagine you are in your car and your challenge is to keep the car at exactly 50 miles an hour. You press on the accelerator as you go up the hill, and you ease off on the other side. A TV pick-up will give you anything between 200-400 [extra MW] if it's not a major storyline; for a main character being killed or a wedding with a lot of hype 700-800. If the analysts' predictions are more than 300MW out, the incident might be investigated. We can't store electricity in any great quantity, so we have to forecast second by second, minute by minute. You base that on what did it do yesterday, what did it do last week, can you identify a day with exactly the same weather. There is a demand-forecasting computer program that looks at the corresponding five weeks over the past five years. And better still there is an analyst who tackles the TV listings every day and tries to predict the spikes. There will be somebody now looking at this evening's television schedules and forecasting what the control room should expect."
Alan Smart, Operations Manager, National Grid

The biggest ever TV pick-up was reserved for a sporting event – the 1990 World Cup. It occurred on 4th July after England’s semi-final against West Germany. Following an edge-of-the-seat penalty shoot-out, demand soared by 2,800 megawatts - equivalent to more than a million kettles being switched on, providing enough hot water for 3 million cups of tea.

Who would have thought so much effort went into your cup of tea.

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How Much Energy Does an Apple iPhone Use?

The iPhone has been a success worldwide, with the recent launch of the iPhone 3G, but, just how much energy does it use.

iPhone 3G - 4 to 6W
iPhone 2G - 4 to 6W

This was from an Apple charger, whilst charging the battery, notably when we tested the Apple iBook G4, we connected the iPhone via USB, and this drew for a short term, extra power around 12W, but after applications which launched due to connection, this fell to approximately 4 to 6W.

For information on the electricity consumption of other products check out "How Much Electricity Does a ... Use?"

Please Note the energy use figures are taken from an energy monitor and are not scientifically analysed, therefore the range and margin of error is greater. If you would like a specific product tested let us know and we will endeavour to check it out.

Picture: Shut Down Kingsnorth

Protesters at the Climate Camp in Kingsnorth, Kent may have began leaving. About 1,500 people were stationed at the site, which is about two miles from the power plant on the Hoo peninsula, for the last week. 50 Activists were arrested on Saturday by police as they tried to breach the complex. The police operation on the site for one week is believed to have exceeded several million pounds.

The current Kingsnorth power station is due to close in 2015 and E.On wants to replace it with two new coal units, which it claims will be 20% cleaner, but still 80% dirty. Its proposals, which would see the first new coal-fired power plant being built in the UK for 24 years, have already been approved by Medway Council but the government will make the final decision about the project.

Activists have vowed to return to the power plant if the decision is approved.

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