Consumers do not know best, reduction is important

Accenture did a survey of 9,000 individuals in 22 countries pertaining to energy issues. The most striking finding of the survery was that, despite worries about limited energy supplies, climate change, and high prices, only 37% of consumers do feel that usage reduction is the answer to reducing their countries reliance on fossil fuels and "36 percent say that using less energy is the answer to reducing reliance on foreign countries providing oil and gas."

"We cannot address climate change or energy security unless we both create new sources of clean energy and reduce consumer demand," said Sander van 't Noordende, Group Chief Executive of Accenture's Resources operating group. "But our survey shows that consumers do not think lower energy use is a priority. It will take many years before renewable alternatives come fully on stream. Until they do, governments and energy companies will have to find creative ways to transform consumer habits and improve energy efficiency."

Mr. van't Noordende is absolutely correct. Excluding hyrdo, renewables are not as cheap as fossil fuels and the main reason they are playing any kind of role is subsidities and government incentives. Consumers have been spoiled by cheap energy and this gluttony must eventually come to an end. At some point renewables and alternatives to fossil fuels may suppliment our energy needs, but consumers should also renew focus on the one thing they can control REDUCTION. Reduction saves the consumer money, helps reduce strain on the grid, and will indirectly benefit the environment.

Some tips would be to hang dry your clothes during the warm days of the year. It will make them feel fresher and will not wear them down as bad as a dryer. The savings can be significant: http://www.terrapass.com/blog/posts/how-to-finance-2 Some other tips can be found at: http://suncountry.myenergymatters.net/tips-home-0



*All quotes are sourced from: http://www.energycentral.com/news/en/14742520/