Merton Council wants to help residents save cash by encouraging everyone to wise up this Energy Saving Week (19-25 October) and get to know just how much energy they are using at home.

Through its libraries, the council is making available the chance to borrow for free an OWL – a wireless energy saving monitor – which library members can easily install in their homes to measure how much electricity they are using.

The OWL gives up to the second information on the amount of electricity used in terms of power, cost and carbon footprint. The monitor also displays the cash impact of changing how residents use energy, which could mean savings of hundreds of pounds per household each year.

The OWL is designed to be easy to install and connects to the domestic electrical supply and can be borrowed for up to three weeks at a time.

To find out more about how to fight climate change and save money, residents can visit: http://www.merton.gov.uk/climatechange

Merton Council cabinet member for the environment and leisure services Councillor David Simpson said: “Saving the environment and saving money often go hand in hand. In these cash-strapped times we know residents are looking for ways to reduce bills wherever possible. Understanding more about how you use electricity also enables you to know when you may be able to cut down.

‘We are always looking to offer our residents value for money, and making these OWLs available for free through our libraries gives everyone the chance to do their bit for the environment and save cash at the same time.”

-ENDS-

Note to editors

The OWLs are available at Wimbledon, Morden, Pollards Hill, Donald Hope, Mitcham, Raynes Park and West Barnes libraries.

Information on the OWL monitors: http://www.theowl.com