29 May 2012

Energy saving students win utility vouchers

Two students from the University of Dundee are looking forward to money off their utility bills after helping raise awareness of how much can be saved by efficient use of energy at home.

As part of National Student Money Week 2012, the University of Dundee worked with the Dundee Energy, Efficiency and Advice Project (DEEAP) run by Dundee City Council.

Through the link-up, students could hire energy monitors for free and measure just how much energy is consumed by using simple equipment at home, for example toasters and kettles. Students were encouraged to give feedback as to what they learned from their energy use.

Craig Morrison, from Larkhall, said "Using the energy monitor was a real eye opener to how much it costs. Without the monitor I’d still be showering in the electric shower, everything would be left on standby, and I’d be boiling a full kettle when I only needed a cup of water!"

Craig and fellow student Selam Berhane, from Germany, were each presented with utility vouchers from Scottish and Southern Hydro Electric.

"Fuel poverty is a huge issue for everyone in society and many people wouldn’t think that students would be affected by this. However, when working out average spending on utilities in private accommodation as part of a student’s general income, it is surprising how many meet the fuel poverty criteria", explained Ian Treanor, Manager, DEEAP.

Avril Vera-Leon, External Partnerships & Communications Coordinator from Scottish and Southern Hydro Electric, said, "People are always pleasantly surprised when they see how much money can be saved through the use of a cost monitor. Cost monitors are an excellent way of increasing awareness of the energy someone uses and using energy more wisely and cheaply as a result. We work closely with DEEAP and we commend both Ian and the winners for the successful outcome of the competition."

Sharon Sweeney, Student Funding Officer at the University, said, "Our close working relationship with DEEAP enables us to provide engaging activities with students with a view to becoming more aware of the impact of energy use and ultimately learning how to save money."

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University of Dundee
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