Sip and save: Bar launches to help nation save money on energy bills as almost half admit they have no idea what tariff they’re on

New research released by E.ON Next shows just how confused people are when it comes to saving money on energy. The findings show Brits are struggling to understand how low carbon technologies – like heat pumps and batteries –  could reduce their bills, as almost two thirds (62%) admit they have no idea what a heat pump is. Meanwhile, one in five (21%) don’t realise that solar panels could bring down their bills, and a third (32%) incorrectly believe solar panels aren’t effective in the UK.

The nation is also struggling to find the right tariff. Almost half (47%) say they have no idea what tariff they’re on, while a whopping 70% are overwhelmed by the choices available to them, and two thirds (63%) admit they don’t know whether to go with fixed or variable tariff. With nine in 10 (86%) in the dark about terms like kilowatt hours, off-peak and tariff, E.ON Next says it’s time to help the nation take control of their energy.

E.ON Next is opening its doors to Watts on the Rocks to help the nation better understand how the right combination of smart home solutions and tariff could lower their energy bills. The new energy hotspot is staffed by “tariff tenders” who will help savings seekers cut through the noise, while serving a range of cocktails – from a non-alcoholic ‘Solar Panel Sunrise’ to a ‘Fully Charged Daiquiri’.

New insight from Professor of Energy at the University of Oxford, Jan Rosenow, shows how energy savings can work for the whole nation.

• A couple could save £8,770 on their electricity bills over 10 years if they installed solar panels with battery storage, as well as a heat pump.*
• A family of four who install a heat pump could save as much as £264 a year, offsetting the cost of installation in as little as 8 years
• A daily commuter could be run their electric car for as little as 25p a day if they had solar panels and at-home charging, saving £516 per year vs a petrol car.*
• Two friends living together lower their bills by £2,860 over five years through solar generation.*

Richie Atkinson, Head of Future Energy Homes at E.ON Next, said: "Energy choices shouldn’t feel like rocket science, so we’ve shaken things up with Watts on the Rocks. It’s all about helping the nation discover the savings they could unlock with the right mix of tariffs and sustainable solutions that fit their home and lifestyle. We’ve even teamed up with an economist to make sure energy-curious consumers get straight answers and real numbers – because making energy savings work should be as easy as ordering your favourite drink.”

Watts on the Rocks is a destination where energy customers can learn more about the tariffs, products and sustainable energy solutions available from E.ON Next, all whilst sipping on a FREE energy-inspired cocktail (one per visitor). The bar is open to anyone over the age of 18 on a first come basis from midday to 9pm on 18 and 19 November at 8-10 Northcote Rd, London, SW11 1NT.

Those unable to pop down to Watts on the Rocks for a drink can visit eonnext.com/save to find out more about the range of tariffs and sustainable energy solutions and how to make energy savings work for them.