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Of course everyone is aware that oil serves as a sensational fuel for heating your house or business, for keeping your automobile or motorcycle running smoothly, and helping the transportation of goods to ports and customers worldwide, but most people would be very surprised at how big a part oil plays in making the products we all use day to day around our home and office.

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Solar energy is power that is drawn from the sun's rays. There are many uses for this power source such as, heating, producing electricity and lighting, as well as powering household appliances and experimental motor vehicles. Converting a household's energy needs over to sun driven applications is a great way to help control global warming, as well as reduce power costs.

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A significant number of consumers may find that their finances will come under further pressure, it has been suggested.

From Friday January 18th, EDF Energy is to increase its standard tariffs for both electricity and gas. Costs for the former are to go up by 7.9 per cent, or an average of 28 pounds, while electric bills are set to increase by 12.9 per cent - the equivalent to 74 pounds Overall, it is thought that more than half (59 per cent) of the company's 5.5 million customers will be affected. Following on from the increase, the typical dual fuel energy bill will rise by 100 pounds, taking it from 907 pounds to 1,007 pounds.

And although the announcement will mean those patrons of EDF, which is the fifth largest energy company, may witness an increase in their utility bills, it is also possible that pressure on other constraints on their spending will rise. This could lead them to develop problems in meeting demands for payment on areas such as loans, mortgages and credit cards.

Commenting on the decision, Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch, stated that homeowners are once again facing an "inflation busting price hike at face value" without a detailed explanation as to why this has taken place. She said: "This is blatant cashing in on loyalty. All people really want to know is whether they are being treated fairly or not but, with household energy bills heading back up over 1,000 pounds, they cannot afford to hang about waiting for an answer. Consumers must take action now and move to a cheaper energy deal if they want to protect their household from the impact of higher energy bills. By not switching consumers could waste savings of up to 325 pounds."

The price comparison website went on to claim that following the moves, EDF Energy will now be the second most expensive utilities supplier in Britain, coming behind npower, which has also reported a price hike in recent days. Following the recent announcement uSwitch pointed out that it is the latest in a series of increases by the firm. Between 2004 and 2006, the energy company has put up its dual fuel by 73 per cent or 409 pounds. And although it cut its gas prices by ten per cent last year, it was reportedly one of the last firms to do so, as this week's announcement "completely wipes out" the 2007 decrease. More on Homeowners Must Take Action Against Energy Bill Increases

Another price rise announcement by a utilities company could place Britons under increased financial pressure, it has been suggested.

Earlier this month, ScottishPower stated that gas and electricity costs on its standard tariff are to increase by 15 and 14 per cent. Resulting in bills rising by 89 pounds and 53 pounds respectively, uSwitch reported that the moves will affect just under half (44 per cent) of the 5.2 million customers of the energy firm. Adding an extra 141 pounds on to costs, the price comparison website suggested that the typical dual fuel household energy bill is now set to rise from 959 pounds to 1,100 pounds. The increases came into effect on Saturday (February 2nd).

Following on from such a price increase, homeowners may not just find that they have problems in meeting demands for payment on utility bills but also discover their capacity for repaying other monetary constraints such as loans, credit and store cards, mortgages and transport costs is diminished.

Commenting on the announcement, Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch, claimed that the decision by ScottishPower to increase its costs was not a surprising one following recent hikes by a number of fellow energy companies, such as British Gas and EDF Energy, in recent weeks.

Energy Tags: wind power, alternative energy

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div>James Bratley asked:


Solar power is becoming a way of life for many people across the globe. From isolated communities to inner city suburbs, solar energy is becoming a very popular choice to better the environment.

Solar energy has been in existence ever since life on our planet began. We have been using the strength of the sun in many different ways, past and present. The more modern technique of using solar energy has been through the use of solar panels.

Solar energy is 100% reliable, if our planet did not receive this energy, or if the energy increased or dropped significantly, then the earth would more than likely struggle to support mankind. However, some methods regarding how we use solar energy are by no means 100% reliable.

The more modern method of harnessing solar energy has been through the use of solar panels. The technology used to turn sunlight into electricity is still in its infancy. Newer and better technologies are emerging every year, and one day we can be hopeful that solar panels could easily support a large household in a reliable way.

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Energy Tags: battery technology, solar power