***PRESS RELEASE**: IRISH CONSUMERS PROVE TOO APATHETIC WHEN IT COMES TO SAVING ON HOME ENERGY BILLS

**PRESS RELEASE**

 IRISH CONSUMERS PROVE TOO APATHETIC WHEN IT COMES TO SAVING ON HOME ENERGY BILLS

Apathy to change is the major reason Irish households aren’t switching their electricity and gas suppliers.

A poll of the first 6,000 households to join the Big Energy Switch campaign reveals that:

• 42% of those who haven’t switched ‘Didn’t think the savings would be worthwhile’
• 18% ‘just couldn’t be bothered’, and
• 14% ‘thought switching energy seems too hard’

These results paint a clear picture that the biggest reason households aren’t switching is because the benefits of switching still aren’t widely recognised. This is supported by the fact that just 8% of households haven’t switched because they ‘like their current supplier’.

Apathy around switching and the idea that ‘it’s too hard’ is countered by the fact that 70% of those who have switched their energy in the past said they found it ‘easy or ‘very easy’.

One Big Switch Senior Campaigner, David Liston today said, ”Apathy around switching and fear of the unknown are two of the biggest issues we face when trying to convince Irish consumers to shop around.

“The fact that 2 in 3 of all of our members have switched before is heartening, but is far above the national average, meaning there are many people out there still not taking advantage of campaigns like the Big Energy Switch or competitive electricity and gas offers”.

“By not shopping around, consumers are essentially paying a loyalty tax, which is rarely rewarded. If you haven’t switched before, it’s more than likely you can save. I’d encourage anyone interesting in saving to join the Big Energy Switch to see what we come up with”.

The survey launched as a part of the Big Energy Switch, a nation-wide people power campaign to cut the cost of electricity and gas in Ireland.

The campaign aims to use the huge buying power of 20,000 Irish households to unlock group-discounted energy. Once unlocked, One Big Switch will encourage campaign registrants to switch to the offer or use it to shop around.

Joining the Big Energy Switch is entirely cost and obligation free. Consumers who wish to sign up can visit www.onebigswitch.ie.

NB to editors & producers: Details of case study families who have switched and saved and are willing to speak to the media are available for media outlets.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: David Liston, One Big Switch Senior Campaigner EMAIL: David@onebigswitch.com PHONE: 086 393 5073