Pre-Payment Tariff May Give Cost Savings As Well As Energy Savings

Recently, much has been made of the potential long-term benefits of smart energy meters. Not only will they help save consumers money, their supporters argue, but they will also help the UK to dramatically reduce its overall carbon emission levels and reach ambitious European Union-wide environmental targets. However,...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

New Nuclear Power Stations Could Be Funded Through Utilities Bills

Despite the fact that nuclear power continues to split opinion as much as ever before, British households may face no choice but to stump up for a new generation of reactors, with the money being added onto their utilities bills. That is according to new plans being considered by ministers keen to address the dual iss...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

MPs To Offer Consumers Protection Against Soaring Bills

Calls for the practise of the 'big six' energy companies charging customers, who pay by pre-payment meters, more are to be outlawed, with a simple set tariff introduced for all consumers to be introduced. Though EDF has already given into public pressure to make such a move, it is anticipated that this latest initiati...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Consumers Could Benefit From Smart Meters

Though a majority of struggling consumers are more likely to be worried over how they are going to pay their next bill than they are over party politics, plans have been announced that could endear MPs to many homeowners. Speaking at the Conservative Party annual conference in Manchester, the shadow energy and climate...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Households need to translate utilities bills before making savings

Even the least savvy consumer probably now knows that, should they feel they are being overcharged for their gas or electricity bills, it's relatively simple to get online and switch utilities suppliers for a better deal. However, in order to make such a move, householders first need to have an appreciation of what ex...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

A guide to buying new apartments

Buying an apartment can be a hassle-free and relatively affordable investment option, though others are wary of their potential downsides. Buying a new apartment For the most part, details of new apartments are readily available, with developers advertising projects well in advance both online and in newspapers....16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Elderly Utilities Customers Gear Up For Tough Winter

A vast majority of internet-savvy younger consumers will log on and search for the best deals in order to switch utilities suppliers, new research has found; while a significant proportion of older households are likely to be paying more than ever for their gas and electricity over the winter months. According to the ...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Energy Efficiency: Top Tips

If you feel like you’re throwing money down the drain on your energy bills, there are a number to prevent a hefty bill landing on your doorstep. From turning down the thermostat on your heating to turning off appliances instead of leaving them on standby this can make a noticeable effect on the size of your bill....16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Smart Meter Plans Could Be In Jeopardy

Under the government's recently-announced proposals, all homes across Britain are to be fitted with special meters aimed at telling consumers exactly what their power is costing them. Not only do ministers believe that such an initiative will help cut the nation's total carbon emission levels, but those consumers savv...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

A Guide To Soil PH

When planting new flowers and shrubs planning ahead is very important. One vital thing that you will have to establish is the PH of the soil that you are going to be working with.   What is PH   PH is one of those things you might remember from science lessons when you were back at school. We aren’...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Guide To Evergreen Plants

An evergreen plant can provide your garden with a feature that looks good all year round. However before you rush out and buy one you should consider a few things.   Is Your Garden Suitable   Firstly would an evergreen plant grow in your garden Evergreens have certain light requirements, like all plants...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Hothouse/Greenhouse Planning And Growing Guide

A greenhouse can provide the perfect environment for growing unusual plants which would not survive outdoors in our temperamental British weather. However the prospect of building or buying one can seem daunting.   Planning a Greenhouse   When considering getting a greenhouse there are some things you sho...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Growing Rhubarb Guide

Rhubarb can be a great winter warmer desert in the form of crumble and, because they are tough, hardy, vegetables (or are they fruit ) they can be almost completely left to their own devises. With a little help from a green finger or two at the right time you can have a truly spectacular crop. One warning to heed is t...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Saving Energy Cooking Guide

The kitchen uses more energy than any other area of the house. While you may be an expert cook you may also be a wasteful cook. Being efficient is part of what cooking is about, along with passion and precision! Saving energy will also save you on bills – a concern considering the rising price of heating your hom...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Hanging Basket Guide

If you have any covered outside areas around your home then you may be considering the best way to breathe some life into them. Hanging baskets can be a great way to do this. As hanging baskets are reasonably easy to maintain and offer huge bursts of colour in summer (if you so wish) they can be a great way of livening...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Saving Energy in the Kitchen Guide

The kitchen is the hub of any house; if an army marches on its stomach then most family homes operate in a similar way. It’s the beating heart of a house which gives warmth, light, and sustenance to a family. It is, of course, also the biggest user of energy in the home. While this simply has to be the case &ndas...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Water Garden Guide

A water garden can be a beautiful feature of your garden’s design – or if you are particularly into water and water-features, it can be your whole garden! You may like a small, cool, section at the back of the garden – divided by an ivy covered trellis – which can be a safe haven for the Sunday ...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Rose Garden Guide

The rose is a symbol of love and beauty as espoused by poets throughout the ages – and with good reason, these beautiful flowers are likely to bring any garden out into huge bursts of colours. A whole garden of these wonderful plants will astound guests in summer months and keep the head gardener (whether that&rs...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Growing Tomatoes Guide

We all know that the quality of your cooking relies heavily on the quality of the raw produce. One way to get the freshest produce is to do it yourself. Growing your own food can one of the best ways to keep a complete control over what you eat – knowing exactly how your food has been treated can be invaluable. ...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Growing Gooseberries Guide

A gooseberry bush can be one of the easiest fruits to grow in your garden. If you have a small garden it can be ideal as it is easy to grow, produces plenty of fruit and doesn’t mind being in partial shade. They are hardy plants which can withstand cooler areas and harder winds. Another great thing about gooseber...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010