UK energy company First Utility advises customers to shower together to save money
UK energy company First Utility has caused an uproar by suggesting customers could save money on their energy bills by showering together, boiling the kettle less and going to bed early.
The suggestions were published in an energy savings plan mailed to customers with their bills.
In the document, the company stated that showering together could decrease hot water bills by Pound34 (AU$62) a year, while having two days a week without a cup of tea could save Pound10 (AU$18), the Telegraph reported.
Showering together was not the only steamy suggestion in the advice to customers, with the company also advising going to bed early.
"Opt for an early night," the savings plan stated. "Up to you what you do ... but putting out the lights and turning off the box can save you Pound18 (AU$33) a year - and it could be lots of fun …"
The suggestions were slammed by the UK's shadow energy minister, Tom Greartex.
"Rising energy bills aren't a laughing matter and cause genuine hardship for millions of people," he said.
"Issuing ridiculous advice, however tongue in cheek, will insult and annoy many customers who are struggling to heat and power their homes this winter."
A company spokesman defended the energy saving ideas. "These tips are meant to provide some advice on how we might reduce our energy usage and absolutely not intended to trivialise the issue of fuel poverty, something we take very seriously," he said.
