The Government's 'Reduce Your Use' campaign explained
Rob Flynn
Rob Flynn
Staff Writer

The newly launched public information campaign called ‘Reduce Your Use’ will supplement the Government’s cost-of-living package and inform consumers about ways in which they can save energy.

Back in February, the Government introduced a cost-of-living package, which included a €200 electricity credit to help energy customers offset the impact of rising inflation.

In its latest attempt at helping with the current cost of living and energy crisis, Leinster House recently launched a public information campaign called ‘Reduce Your Use’ in association with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

The campaign highlights the ways consumers can be more energy-efficient, as well as informs people of the financial supports available for households and businesses.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Public information campaign

The awareness campaign will run for four weeks, or until the end of May, and will include advertisements in print, on radio, and across social media.

The Government has also said that the campaign will be phased over the coming year and will be ‘tailored for different seasons, activities and energy demands’.

Importantly, information will be provided on how war and conflicts (specifically the war in Ukraine) are affecting energy costs across Europe.

The public campaign will also focus on how we all use energy on a daily basis, and how best to reduce our own consumption, and therefore costs.

The Government also recently announced a reduction in VAT from 13.5% to 9% on gas and electricity bills for energy customers, coming into effect from the start of May and until the end of October.

What type of advice and from whom?

All energy advice contained in the public campaign will be practical and evidence-based, and will detail what actions can save the most amount of energy and money. In this way, consumers will be able to adopt the advice which best suits them, if they haven’t already. 

All energy efficiency advice within the campaign is provided by experts at the SEAI and targets four areas of energy use:

  • Heating - Use thermostats and smart controls to heat your home only at the times you need and only to the required temperature.
  • Appliances - Use efficiently and outside peak hours of 4-7 pm.
  • Travel - Avoid using the car for short journeys; consider walking, cycling or public transport where available.
  • Driving - Drive at lower speeds, where safe and practical, to reduce your fuel use. (See our guide here on how to reduce your driving costs)

      A number of other state energy agencies will also be involved in the campaign to provide information about the supports and advice they can provide. These include some of the following:

      • The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU)
      • SEAI
      • Eirgrid
      • ESB Networks
      • Gas Networks Ireland (GNI)

      Monetary supports

      Most importantly, the campaign is also highlighting the range of Government financial supports which are currently available for households and businesses. 

      Many of the supports were included in its cost-of-living package as mentioned above. 

      However, here is an outline of all the supports you should be aware of to help reduce your energy costs:

      Home energy

      • €200 electricity credit for all domestic electricity accounts. Find out everything you need to know here.
      • Temporary reduction in VAT from 13.5% to 9% on gas and electricity bills. Here’s how much it could save you on your bills.
      • A reduction to zero of the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy on electricity bills, leading to estimated savings of €59 a year from this October.
      • An increase in the Fuel Allowance of €355 – plus additional payments totalling €225.
      • €20 million in supports for the installation of solar PV panels in households that have a high reliance on electricity for medical reasons.
      • We're still waiting on word about the exact mechanics of the new microgeneration scheme and feed-in tariffs but households will soon be paid for any excess renewable energy they produce.

      Home energy grants

      • 80% grants for attic and cavity wall insulation.

      Travel

      • A reduction in excise duty on fuel: 20c/L for petrol; 15c/L for diesel; 4.7c/L for green diesel.

      Business

      • An €8 million support fund for hauliers, providing €100 for each lorry for eight weeks.

      Want to know more?

      Consumers can find out more about the campaign at this link.

      Take a look at our savings guides

      At bonkers.ie we’re all about helping consumers to save money, whether that’s on their energy bills, broadband, or insurance, to name a few.

      We already have a treasure trove of great content for those looking to save on their household bills. Check out our blogs and guides pages.

      While you’re here, why not consult some of our intuitive savings guides for more information?

      Get in touch

      What do you think of the Government’s latest information campaign? Have you found it beneficial? Or do you think it’s pointless?

      Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, as well as any great savings tips you’ve come across down the years!

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