New Energy Bill gives Ofgem more power
November 26, 2009 at 10:35 am
The new Energy Bill outlined in the Queen’s Speech is set to give Ofgem, the energy regulator, far greater powers to enable it to provide better support for consumers.
One of the key areas in which Ofgem will be given greater powers is in its ability to combat fuel poverty more efficiently. Fuel poverty is defined as being when a household is forced to spend more than 10% of its disposable income on fuel bills. With the new Energy Bill, power companies will now have to provide more support to their poorest customers to reduce the problem. Ofgem will be given greater power to protect these consumers. It has not been clearly defined how exactly this will be achieved, but one solution is through rebates. However, some experts have expressed concern that rebates could take a long time and could be very costly to implement.
Following the Energy Bill, Ofgem will also be given increased abilities to impose fines on power companies for various reasons if they are not conforming to the rules, increasing the regulator’s efficiency as a deterrent.
As well as its increased role in reducing fuel poverty and imposing fines, Ofgem will also play a key role in the installation of new CCS (carbon capture and storage) technology. This is where the CO2 from coal power stations is trapped and then stored underground, helping to reduce emissions. This, however, is sure to prove controversial because CCS power stations, despite being more efficient, still create more emissions than they can store.
Beware the silent killer
November 5, 2009 at 1:41 am
With the weather turning colder, householders have been switching their central heating systems on recently, but how many of them have taken the necessary steps to ensure that they do not fall prey to carbon monoxide poisoning?
A landlord is legally obliged to obtain a gas safety certificate for tenants but still there are many of us who do not take similar steps to protect ourselves and our family.
Each year there are forty to fifty deaths attributable to this silent killer which, with a little attention and knowledge, could have been avoided. Head of Utilities at Confused.com, Gareth Kloet, has been advising consumers to have checks carried out by a suitably qualified person to ensure that all their gas appliances are safe, before switching them on for the winter. It is also important to make sure that all vents are clear so as to allow emissions to escape. Overgrown plants, and wasps’ and birds’ nests can clog up chimneys and flues so always check for blockages at this time of year.
A small financial outlay on carbon monoxide detectors can be a lifesaver; these are easily obtainable at DIY shops and should be positioned in all high risk areas in the home. Having done that, it is of course vital to maintain them, just as you would a smoke alarm.
Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include the following:
#Headache
#Nausea
#Sore throat
#Confusion
#Dizziness
#Fainting
Alarm bells should ring if other members of the family or workplace experience the same symptoms and then feel better when they are away from the source of the problem.
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, call an ambulance immediately and leave the property straight away.
