New research has revealed that nearly half of all Britons are confused by their energy tariffs, leading to potential overspending on household bills. A study commissioned by energy supplier E.ON Next shows widespread misunderstanding about energy options across the UK.
Widespread Confusion Over Energy Tariffs
The research highlights a significant knowledge gap among consumers. Almost half (47%) of people surveyed did not know what energy tariff they were currently using. Furthermore, seven in ten respondents felt overwhelmed by the number of options available, and 63% were unsure whether to choose a fixed or variable tariff.
This confusion extends to renewable energy technologies. According to the findings, 62% of people have no idea what a heat pump is, while 21% were unaware that solar panels could help reduce energy bills. A third of respondents (32%) incorrectly believe that solar panels are not effective in the UK climate.
Substantial Savings from Renewable Solutions
Jan Rosenow, Professor of Energy at the University of Oxford, has provided clear examples of how households can achieve significant financial savings by adopting renewable technologies.
A couple could save £8,770 on electricity bills over ten years by installing solar panels with battery storage and a heat pump.
A daily commuter could run their electric car for as little as 25p per day with solar panels and home charging, saving £516 annually compared to a petrol vehicle.
A family of four could save up to £264 per year with a heat pump installation, potentially offsetting the installation costs within eight years.
Two friends living together could lower their bills by £2,860 over five years through solar generation.
Simplifying Energy Choices with a Pop-Up Bar
To help demystify energy choices, E.ON Next has launched "Watts on the Rocks", a unique pop-up bar in London. The venue serves themed cocktails like Solar Panel Sunrises and Heat Pumptinis while providing clear information about sustainable energy solutions.
The bar will be open from noon to 9pm on November 18 and 19 at 8 Northcote Road in Battersea, London.
Richie Atkinson, Head of Future Energy Homes at E.ON Next, commented: "Energy choices shouldn't feel like rocket science, so we've shaken things up with Watts on the Rocks. It's about helping people discover the savings they could unlock with the right mix of tariffs and sustainable solutions that suit their home and lifestyle."
The company has partnered with an economist to ensure visitors receive straightforward answers and realistic savings figures. For those unable to visit the London pop-up, E.ON Next encourages exploring their range of tariffs and sustainable energy solutions online.
