Quarter of Brits fear energy shortages within five years

A quarter of Brits believe that the UK will not be able to generate enough energy to meet demand within the next five years. A survey over 2,000 people from the Energy Saving Trust (EST) to mark Energy Saving Week, found that 26 per cent think keeping up supplies of power will get more difficult between now and 2018. Just over half (52 per cent) said they are willing to reduce their energy consumption if it helps to avert a crisis in the future. Philip Sellwood, chief executive of the EST, believes people are being confused by statements made by energy firms and politicians. He stated that one on hand people accept the need to save energy, but on the other issues such as wind power and fracking are distracting them from making energy saving improvements such as installing cavity wall and loft insulation. "While the big picture issues are an important part of the overall debate, we’ve got to focus on the things that strike a chord with people: saving money and guaranteeing we have enough energy for the future," he added.