FOUR IN FIVE CONUSMERS DON'T KNOW THEY CAN SWITCH TO GREEN ELECTRICITY

FOUR IN FIVE CONUSMERS DON'T KNOW THEY CAN SWITCH TO GREEN ELECTRICITY BUT 64% WOULD BE PREPARED TO PAY UP TO £40 EXTRA PER QUARTER FOR GREEN ELECTRICITY Nearly four in five UK consumers (79%) don't know they can buy electricity generated from clean renewable sources but 64% would be prepared to pay up to £40 extra per quarter to switch to a green alternative. More than half (56%) would contact their current supplier to obtain information on green electricity and 48% would search the Internet, reveals research commissioned by online comparison service, uSwitch. The survey findings come as uSwitch launches the first green electricity comparison calculator which enables consumers to compare green tariffs which are rated by Friends of the Earth. "There has been a lot of controversy over the `greenness' of various energy tariffs which discourages people from making a switch for the better. Our new tool will help set the record straight by giving consumers the facts. Hopefully they will see through the slick slogans of some companies and ensure they get exactly what they pay for" said Jon Miller, Head of Product Development at uSwitch. He added: "While it only costs £1 a week extra for the most expensive green electricity tariff there are a selection of green tariffs available in the current market at the same price or cheaper than equivalent non-green tariffs. However, it's hugely encouraging that 64% of consumers are willing to pay up to £160 extra per year for a green tariff. The survey also shows that 51% of consumers would be prepared to give up cab rides to pay for a green tariff, 48% would give up a magazine subscription and less than a third (32%) would give up cigarettes." Nearly two thirds (60%) of those surveyed consider pollution and climate change to be the biggest environmental challenges facing our planet. However, 40% of Brits mistakenly believe that burning waste is an environmentally friendly way of generating electricity and while 15% consider coal or oil to be clean and green. It's this ignorance which wastes resources, adds to pollution and impacts on health. The study into UK consumers' awareness of and attitudes to environmental issues follows the Earth Summit in Johannesburg, where the EU was forced to retreat on its targets for renewable energy in the face of implacable opposition from the US and oil producing nations. Jon Miller said: "The survey demonstrates the public are concerned about key environmental issues but feel confused about the best approach to take. Environmentally savvy consumers can and should make simple changes to their lifestyle which will make a positive difference to the environment. Our survey demonstrated that people are prepared to make that change. Nearly half (48%) would consider recycling their household waste and one in three would avoid buying packaged products." Other findings: · 12% of consumers would pay an extra £1 per quarter for green electricity, more than a third of (36%) would pay an extra £2-10 per quarter , 11% would pay £11-20 and 5% would pay £21-£40. · 43% believe pollution is an important environmental issue · Nine out of ten people (94%) are concerned with pollution, climate change, deforestation and plants and animals dying out. · A mere 2% considered clean drinking water and poverty to be key environmental concerns despite the fact these were the only issues where there was some kind of agreement in Johannesburg. · 82% believe reducing the use of fossil fuels is important · 88% of people already insulate their home or would be keen to in future · 63% already eat organic food or would do so in the future Bryony Worthington, Energy and Climate Campaigner for Friends of the Earth said: "Switching to a green electricity tariff is one of best and simplest ways of making a difference for the environment - a quick phone call or a visit to a website can reduce pollution and help stop climate change. But it's amazing so few people realise they can do it - we hope that uSwitch's new calculator will enable more people to make a difference." uSwitch provides a free independent and impartial advice to consumers about which green tariff would best suit their needs. By simply entering the postcode into the uSwitch calculator (www.uswitch.com) or calling the freephone number (0800 093 06 07) consumers can assess the options available to them and make an informed choice. For more information visit uSwitch.com or call 0800 093 06 07 -Ends- For further information contact: · Heather Peacocke, uSwitch on 020 7802 2929 or heatherpeacocke@uswitch.com · Jon Miller, uSwitch on 020 7802 2929 or jonmiller@uswitch.com · Beverley Aujla, Lansons Communications on 020 7294 3683 or beverleya@lansons.com NOTES TO EDITORS Research was carried out by BMRB between 30 August and 1 September 2002. 1000 consumers were interviewed. Service summary uSwitch is a free Internet service which gives consumers access to the best deal on home services such as gas, electricity, home and mobile telephony. Using a unique 'calculator' to evaluate a number of factors, including price, service, location, payment method of package, it advises consumers on the most suitable supplier for their individual needs. If they choose to, customers can then switch to the alternative supplier while online. The service is also available via telephone, fax and postal service. Consumers simply call 0845 601 2856, fax 020 7233 5933 or write to Customer Services, uSwitch, Victoria Station House, 191 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5NE, with their postcode and usage details. uSwitch is the first service to compare offerings from a complete range of suppliers. uSwitch is not a supplier, and, as such, it acts as an independent advisor, giving consumers an impartial view of what's on offer and making it easier for them to choose the most appropriate deal. The service is based on the most up-to-date published information from suppliers and regulators. For energy comparison, uSwitch has developed its own service standards league tables for suppliers based on official performance statistics./ ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/09/16/20020916BIT00490/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/09/16/20020916BIT00490/wkr0002.pdf