makes me laugh all this energy paranoia - we are all moaning about the cost but what do most of us do ? squander the stuff - we use tumble driers when we could air dry - dishwashers - central heating - computers left on all day and night - lights left on in unused rooms , car journeys where you could walk or cycle

- and why ?? because we are too used to our easy way of living - too used to our conveniences - too used to our "lifestyle aspirations" - to impress friends and neighbors who really don't give a ( insert word of choice here) - basically peeps we have gotten lazy

I have used just 6.23 units of electricity each day over the last 15 days - which even by my standards is low - and i don't skimp - but i also don't waste the stuff either - so a few tips for all those who have high bills

turn off lights

use LED lights for general tasks - a LED uses about 1 -2 watts per hour and is quite good enough to see by - i have double fitted in each of the main rooms led and standard type lights - if i need bright light then i can if not led gives enough light to move and work with safely

turn off the PC and all the rest at night - do you really need it on

ditto telly -and other entertainment stuff - OK some firms say to leave it on for updates etc - but are they paying your bill ??

do washing at low temp and when you have a full load - air dry it - saves a fortune on tumble dryers

and if you really want to amuse yourself - take your meter readings once a week and see just how much you are using - or better still get a power monitor - that will frighten you if you put it some where you can see it at all times - you can get ones that work wirelessly - and are simple to fit

OK i will get the "but you live alone and don't have kids etc etc " but with a little thought and application - you too can cut your bills down a lot - heck of a lot

the question you have to ask as i have is " is this power usage REALLY necessary ??"

now i ain't some tree hugging Green - i am on a limited income - concentrates the mind wonderfully

and it makes me cringe when you get 2 car owing families with every light on in the place on TV - bemoaning their lot about rising energy costs - like am i supposed to feel sorry for them ?? - am i heck - if you use it - expect to pay for it - but it is soooo simple to save the stuff - if you really want to

brett ( skinflint extraordinaire )


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