Firm’s innovation holds out hope of slashing power bills

Logicor, based in Wakefield, created the Green Plug which it said could reduce the amount of energy consumed by household appliances by an average of 41 per cent.

The firm’s trial also found that one home with 20 such plugs fitted could save an average of 206 kg/CO2 each year.

David Bowen, managing director of Logicor, said: “These trials are the fruition of many years’ work to develop a simple solution that helps to cut electricy bills and reduce carbon emissions.

“Our team at Logicor are very pleased with the results of the trial and for the promise the findings hold for the rest of the energy efficient systems in development.”

Mary Creagh, Shadow Environment Secretary and Wakefield MP, said: “Saving energy and cutting waste are important for all households, particularly with rising fuel bills.

“Households can waste up to £365 a year from electrical appliances being left on overnight or switched to standby – that’s a pound a day.

“Logicor’s Green Plug is a great example of an innovative British company providing a practical solution to an environmental problem.”

Rising gas and electric prices have piled more pressure on consumers over the last two years and Logicor hopes the Green Plug will reduce the number of people who are stuck in fuel poverty.

Last year a group of campaigners, including Age Concern and Help the Aged, warned that levels of fuel poverty could rise to a new high unless Briton’s homes are made more energy efficient.

The Government definition of fuel poverty is anyone who has to spend more than 10 per cent of their household income on heating their home.

Logicor’s trial also found that consumers are confused about the amount of electricity used by household appliances and whether they should left switched on, off or on standby.

The firm, which has five UK subsidiaries and 22 staff, was set up in 2004 by director Vivien Wishart.

The company is backed by a group of 19 investors.