A survey, carried out by Electric Ireland and Nissan Ireland, indicates that as a many as 85 per cent of Irish consumers are willing to change their daily habits if it would help to reduce their carbon footprint.
'Positive energy usage changes'
The most recent research results from the Electric Ireland Brighter Energy Research Tracker show a significant increase in consumers' willingness to make positive energy usage changes, even with the impact of Covid-19, and an expectation that their energy company should play a key role in advising them on the move towards a low carbon future.
Increase in those looking to make changes
In that survey, it was found that 85 per cent 'would be willing to change their energy usage behaviours a little to reduce their own carbon footprint.' That figure represents a rise from the previous survey, carried out in January 2020, which showed that 73 per cent would have said the same.
89 per cent said that they 'believe energy providers should help people lower their carbon footprint by offering new products and services to help customers use their energy in a more sustainable way.' Again, that's up from 81 per cent in the January survey.
Another 89 per cent said that they think energy companies should 'advise on how to reduce the carbon footprint and increase energy efficiency of the home.' That's up massively, from 58 per cent in January.
Free home charger
So, to help specifically motoring consumers kick-start their better habits, Electric Ireland is teaming up with Nissan Ireland to offer a free home charging wallbox - normally valued at €899 - when they buy a Nissan Leaf, a Leaf van, or an NV200 van. The offer is bundled with the buyer switching to Electric Ireland's '100 per cent green energy' price plan, which gets them an 8.5 per cent discount on their electricity rates. The offer will be available from any nationwide Nissan dealer, starting from the 16th of November.
Marguerite Sayers, Executive Director, Electric Ireland said: "At Electric Ireland we've seen first-hand the power and positivity that can be generated when we all come together, something that is reflected in every home, business and community, and in all the causes and codes we support. We also know our customers are looking to make sustainable choices and they want their energy provider to lead the way. Through the continuation of our Brighter Together Energy Programme, which sees the announcement of our new climate-conscious partnership with EV retailer Nissan Ireland, we will add to our suite of products and services designed to help our customers lower their carbon footprint. The options for customers, all of which can have a positive climate-change impact, extend from remote home heating controls to our 100 per cent green electricity plan. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought home to all of us the power of collective action and if we mobilise our million plus customer base to take just one new sustainable action, we know we can truly create a brighter energy future for everyone."