Find out how to stop your fridge being an energy criminal during National Energy Efficiency Week 2003, from 21 to 27 September, which is supported by Merton Council.

The theme of the nationwide event is “It’s criminal to waste energy” and it aims to inform the public about energy efficiency and show how easy it is to remove such energy criminals from your home.

Merton Council has teamed up with six other South West London Boroughs to run a prize competition. The resident, who improves their homes energy efficiency the most, between Energy Efficiency Week and the end of February 2004, will win a fully installed solar thermal system worth over £1000. Everyone installing energy efficiency measures in their homes will automatically be entered into a prize competition.

The Council is also supporting the week by setting up displays at numerous sites across the borough, including at Merton Link, Merton’s libraries and community centres, and advising the public on what measures can be taken to prevent energy waste. Merton residents can gain useful advice on which ‘white goods’ appliances are the most energy efficient, find explanations on the energy ratings of for example fridges, and find out how to calculate the amount of money for example a new boiler could save.

The average home loses about 35 per cent of its heat through the walls; so installing measures such as cavity wall insulation could make a huge impact and doesn’t cost the earth. Saving energy helps to reduce damage to the environment, in particular the threat of climate change, which could have massive implications on the planet.

Councillor Linda Kirby, Merton Council’s Cabinet Member for Environmental Quality, said: “Energy Efficiency Week is an opportunity for residents to find out more about practical and inexpensive ways to save energy – and therefore money – in their homes. Do your bit by not leaving TVs on standby and switching off lights if you are not in the room.”

Tracey Mills of South West London Energy Efficiency Centre said, “With a few quick fixes in your home, you are not only doing your bit for the planet, but also saving your own money. Please make an effort to visit our stands and gain useful advice on what you can do to make your home more electricity efficient. Don’t forget, you could also end up harnessing the Sun’s power if you win the prize competition!”

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PRESS CONTACT:

Ida Bergfors
Press and PR Assistant
London Borough of Merton
020 8