Finally, the survey explored ways in which government and business can help lead the debate on the future of energy in the UK.

On the whole, the public feel that business has more to do to be recognised as part of the solution rather than the problem. Just over half of Britons agree that the power industry is working towards a positive future on energy and its production, while one in three Britons disagree with that statement. Just under two-thirds of Britons see the Government as working towards a positive future.

The workshops also showed that the public want to see both government and business ‘lead by example’. Participants suggested that offices ensure all their lights are turned off at night, PCs and photocopies are not left on standby and sensor activated lights are installed in meeting rooms. In the workshops, there was also strong support for the idea of businesses and government departments sourcing at least 10% of their energy from renewables.

E.ON view

There is an increasing scientific and political consensus about the risks posed by climate change and the need to take action. And the energy sector has an important role to play in addressing this issue. Equally, there needs to be a balance between concern for the environment and our customers’ need for light, warmth and power. Reconciling the objective of reducing carbon dioxide emissions while providing a safe, secure and affordable supply of electricity is the big challenge facing all of us. So, for E.ON, tackling climate change isn’t something that’s tacked onto our agenda – it’s at the heart of our business. By that, we mean we are adopting a radically different approach to energy, both how we make it and how our customers use it. In other words, we are on a mission to change energy for the better.

Reaction to a range of potential initiatives that save energy and help protect the environment were tested in the workshops. Ideas about council tax rebates for installing energy efficiency measures and subsidies on energy-saving appliances, tested positively in the sessions.There was also support for incentives for banks and building societies to offer ‘green’ mortgages and loans to cover the costs of energyefficiency work done on a house.