Now we’ve got the power to save cash

20 March 2008

Most people are being forced to closely scrutinise their utility power bills in an effort to save a few pounds – but for one group of Norfolk villagers that is no longer a problem.

For instead of looking worryingly at electricity and gas meters, the occupiers of 15 new homes in Lingwood, near Yarmouth, are now relishing the chance of seeing how much power they are using.

The Larchwood clad houses off Station Road are at the cutting edge of eco-friendly power saving science and will shape how future homes across the region will be built from 2016.

Each of the 15 affordable homes has a different green piece of technology, such as solar panels and heat pumps, and it is estimated the devices could slash up to 75pc from bills.

And in an innovative experiment, scientists from UEA will monitor how much power each house uses over the next year and compare consumption to normal houses.

Single parent and supermarket worker Katrina Johnson is one of the local people who has moved into the Victory Housing Trust Homes.

She has been told that instead of conventional radiators and heaters her ground source heat pump could cut fuel bills by 75pc a year and lower carbon emissions by half.

Ms Johnson, 32, who is renting the home for £75 a week said: “I suppose the proof of the pudding will be when I start getting bills. I definitely think all homes should be built like these ones and it is nice to know I am involved in helping develop ways to protect the environment.”

Ms Johnson added that she might spend any money saved on a holiday or some presents for herself and her nine-year-old son.

Mother-of-two Tracey Callaghan,37, was enjoying her new home and its solar panel power generators, which should shave 50pc off her fuel bills.

She said: “A lot of people are using more power than they need around their homes and anything that helps cut down on bills must be a great idea.”

The houses, which are rented or being offered as shared ownership for up to £150,000, were built by the Flagship Housing Group and were also funded by the Housing Corporation, Lingwood Parish, Broadland District and Norfolk County Councils and Carbon Connections.


 Now we’ve got the power to save cash