The UK could reduce its energy demand by as much as 40 per cent by the year 2030, according to one government-sponsored thinktank - but not under current energy reforms.
According to a draft report published this week by McKinsey and Co in partnership with the government's Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC), a significant reduction in electricity demands could be achieved nationwide in both residential and commercial properties.
They suggest that certain measures, when introduced, could cut demand by as much as 127 terawatt hours (TWh).
And a focus on residential energy usage - with introductions such as across-the-board home insulation and encouraging an economy around energy-saving lighting - could alone save the country 58 TWh, says the report.
"We believe that there is significant potential for greater efficiency in the use of electricity in the UK," announced the DECC. "On the current trajectory, including existing policy, the UK is likely to only realise some of this potential."
Want to go some way towards saving a terawatt in your home? Well, uh, turn off the lights.
That's according to Mybuilder executive Ryan Notz, who believes that simple measures around the home, such as economy-style kettle boiling and installing energy-efficient bathroom lights, could make all the difference to your home's energy demands.
"It's a bit boring to say, but we haven't done the basics right well enough in this country," yawned Mr Notz. "I think at the moment, there's still a lot to be done with the basics."
And as well as exploring the possibilities of energy-saving ceiling spotlights, Mr Notz suggests homeowners figure out where their boiler is, and then have a good, hard look at it, if they are serious about saving energy.
"I think the simplest thing you can do is look at how you heat your home and install a thermostat," he says.
