Today is the start of National Energy Week and it runs to the 25 October, 2009.

It’s an annual event organised by the Energy Saving Trust and this is the 13th one of its kind. Organisations, companies and individuals are encouraged to get behind the sentiments and ambitions of the week.

And the main focus this time is on Waste. And the objective is to help people across the UK stop wasting their Time, Money and Energy.

The Energy Saving Trust has given each day a mini-theme:

• Monday (wasteful behaviour and launch day);
• Tuesday (warmer homes, insulation);
• Wednesday (smarter driving day, transport);
• Thursday (switch off/turn down/turn off day);
• Friday (buy better day).

Karen Lawrence, head of advice, at the Energy Saving Trust, goes at length to explain:
“Climate change is arguably one of the most important global issues now affecting millions of UK households. It is no longer just a Government problem to be tackled on a policy level, but something everyone is thinking about on a daily basis. We’ve all been asked to change certain daily habits: dustbin-days have gone topsy-turvy as councils re-think their recycling programmes, major supermarkets now charge shoppers for carrier bags forcing us to think twice before using plastic bags.

“We’re constantly being shown targets and timelines – telling us what the nation has to achieve and by when – to help fight climate change. But how on earth are we expected to fit an eco-rich lifestyle into our time-poor lives? Energy Saving Week is the perfect opportunity to discover your green/life balance. We’re urging people to take time to make time to change their household habits to help fight climate change.”

And Lewisham Council is one such organisation having a go. Throughout National Energy Week it is reminding residents they can help save money, as well as the environment, with the help of free ‘smart meters’.

These are superb gadgets which basically tell an energy consumer how much electricity is being used in their house, as well as what it costs them per hour. Also known as energy monitors, the smart meters can cut an average household bill by at least £100 over a year, without the need to lose warmth, or comfort.

And Lewisham Council has, over the past year, lent out 250 meters to residents in the Borough.

What’s more, as part of their awareness campaign, Lewisham Council has teamed up with Sydenham School to help raise awareness amongst young people about energy conservation. Participating pupils are asked to take home smart meters over the half term holiday period to measure how much electricity they use.

Barbara Williams, head teacher at Sydenham School, said:
“If we’re really serious about tackling climate change, we should start by trying to change the behaviour of our children and their families. We need to help them understand the level of their electricity use and how to reduce it. We’re aiming for a 10% cut in their electricity bills!”

And Councillor Chris Best, Cabinet Member for Community Services at Lewisham Council, said:
“Smart meters are available free, to library users, from all Lewisham libraries. The meters can be loaned for three weeks, just like taking out a library book.”

Guest Article by Neil Camp