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Billsavers - A Demonstration Project Promoting the Take-Up and Use of Energy Efficient Lighting and Appliances Financed Through The Lower Bills These Generate Robert Barnham MA Dip Arch Dip UD, Project Development Officer Lothian and Edinburgh Environmental Partnership Bonnington Mill Business Centre, 72 Newhaven Road, Edinburgh Scotland EH6 5QG Abstract The project is measuring the benefits to the consumer and the environment to be gained from using energy efficient lighting and appliances. it initially focused on low-income households where fuel poverty increases the need to use energy efficiently, but a lack of income reduces the ability to invest in energy efficiency measures. The aim was to demonstrate that these households could finance the purchase of energy efficient lighting and appliances from savings in running costs produced by their installation. The first stage was a feasibility study to establish the amount of electricity used by lighting and appliances in a representative households, forming the base-line against which subsequent work on improving efficiency could be measured. The results of the first year of monitoring, as distinct from data derived from laboratory test cycles, indicate considerable scope for savings by upgrading lighting and appliances at no cost to the householder, and at such a rate that the householder can perceive these savings, and decide to invest appropriately. The project has now expanded to include middle-high income households. Back to Right Light Proceedings startpage Top of page