The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) is calling upon the electrical sector to take the lead when advising on installing energy-saving technology. Group CEO, David Pollock, says electrical contractors are in a perfect position to inform the public about the range of technologies on offer. By conducting energy reviews and advising on the installation of appropriate technologies, electrical contractors can help homeowners cut energy bills by up to £400 per year*, while allowing them to ‘do their bit’ to reduce their carbon footprint.

In response to the Government’s ambitious target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050 (from 1990 figures), Pollock emphasises that it is on the 24 million existing housing stock** that attention needs to focus and this is where the electrical contracting industry can play its part.

To find out where consumers’ stand on the issue, the ECA recently undertook research (conducted by YouGov). The findings highlighted that 44 per cent of adults who don’t have energy-saving equipment in their homes believe that they cannot afford the initial costs to install green technologies. This is despite the fact that installing a few simple controls could dramatically cut their energy bills.

Pollock says: “We believe electrical contractors, in their frontline role, are perfectly positioned to provide advice on available energy-saving options from simple steps such as fitting energy-saving lightbulbs, to investing in renewable technologies. Installing and correctly setting timers, thermostats and lighting controls is a relatively low cost option, with many measures enjoying payback times of less than a year. ” 

“Energy-saving technologies can help reduce carbon emissions, as well as putting valuable money back into the consumer’s wallet. It’s a win-win situation - it’s good for the environment, it’s good for the consumer and it’s good for the electrical contractor.”

electrical contractor association news, e-lec.org