Joan Ruddock MP's Energy Saving Week Diary

During Energy Saving Week I am going to be taking 10 minutes out of my busy schedule to do some energy saving measures.

Come back at 9.30am each day to see what I have been up to...

Friday 24th October

I've been so busy at work all week that as usual I've not had a moment do so any household chores such as the laundry. It looks like it will be a weekend of work around the house, with emptying the laundry basket the first priority! I've been washing at 30 degrees for a long time now and it does work - not only does it save energy and money, but I think it's better for your clothes as well.

There are lots of other things I need to do around the house this weekend, including checking my light fittings to see what kinds of energy efficient light bulbs I can buy that will work with my dimmer switches.

It's also time for me to read my gas and electricity meters to see if I'm getting the best deal. We moved in such a rush that I didn't have a chance to check, so now is a good chance to do so. There is plenty of advice available for consumers to ensure we're getting value for our money - the best starting place is Consumer Focus (a new consumer group which has replaced Energy Watch) at http://www.consumerfocus.org.uk/.

Energy Saving Week has been a positive experience for me this year. Not only has it given me a reason to think again about my energy habits and make sure I'm doing the right thing, it's also been a great opportunity to spread the message about saving energy and cutting our carbon emissions. The Energy Saving Trust has once again done a fantastic job! Now it's up to all of us to remember that we need to try and make every week an energy saving week.

Thursday 23rd October

It's an exciting day for me - I'm off to Hammersmith in London to launch a fantastic new campaign which will help energy consumers get the best deal for their money, as well as access government assistance to improve their homes' energy efficiency.

It's called the Energy Best Deal campaign and its being rolled out nationally by Ofgem, with funding from my Department of Energy and Climate Change. The campaign will help train frontline workers in Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB), Housing Associations and other organisations so they can advise low income householders on finding the energy deal which suits their needs and saves them money.

Most people know that it's possible they can save money by switching to a different energy plan or a new supplier, but are often put off investigating their options because it can seem so time-consuming and over-whelming. This scheme will provide an easily-accessible source of advice for the people who need it most.

Many years ago I ran a CAB and I know just how much people value the service. Adding expertise on energy advice will be of great assistance to the public and Ofgem are to be congratulated on their training scheme.

One of the easiest ways to pay less on our energy bills is to reduce the amount of energy we use, either through investing in energy efficiency home improvements, or taking a few simple steps such as switching off the lights when we leave a room. I'm passionate about getting the message out there that saving energy is both good for our wallets and good for the planet, so it's really great to be involved in this project during Energy Saving Week.

Me visiting the Energy Saving Trust at Parliamentary Advice day yesterday. (From left to right: Chris Watt, Salim Njonga, Joan Ruddock MP and Shelley Green).

Wednesday 22nd October

One of the best things about buying a new home is the opportunity to get the kitchen up to scratch.

I found that I needed a dishwasher (absolutely critical in my hectic life!) and a new double oven (my other half is a good cook.)

I went first to the kitchen unit supplier to match up the housing, only to find that they did not have a double oven with both parts rated A.

For a moment I thought I just haven't the time to go shopping around. Then my conscience pricked me.

I now have a great kitchen with all A grade appliances.

I do think that the A-G labelling for white goods is one of the best things to come out of the EU. And it's always allowed me to make good choices.

For even greater certainty always try to find products with the Energy Saving Recommended logo - and to make things even easier, you can use the search engine on this website to narrow down your choices (www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/compare) and pick the home appliance that suits your needs and will save you money.

Tuesday 21st October

When we bought our new home I knew it was seriously energy inefficient, but as we were downsizing we would have money to make improvements.

Because of my job as Energy and Climate Change minister I think I know what needs doing, but just to be sure I've used the Home Energy Check tool on the EST website.

It's so easy and quick to do and it gives you a real buzz when you see the potential for saving energy, money and cutting CO₂ emissions.

Fortunately the property had a new combination boiler and we put thermostatic radiator valves in straight away. If it wasn't for this we'd have been right at the bottom of the energy efficiency scale!

Sadly we've got a flat roof so no loft to insulate, but people who do have a loft can save lots of money and stop about a quarter of their heat going straight through the roof. (Note to self: must investigate green roofs.)

We're planning some improvements in the Spring and double glazing will be a must. We'll also look at doing some solid wall insulation - though most people with modern houses can do the much easier and cheaper cavity wall insulation.

But there's one really easy thing I can do immediately. The previous owners obviously didn't know you can get low energy light bulbs for light fixtures with dimmers. I have to buy these so the next time I do an energy check I can say all my light bulbs are low energy!

Monday 20th October

Energy Saving Week couldn't have come at a worse time for me. I've recently moved house and just got a new job in the DECC! Sometimes there's no where to sit either at home or in the office! But I know there's no excuse for not doing my bit for the environment. So I'm determined to give it a go and follow the Energy Saving Trust's advice. Because we haven't unpacked properly, nothing is where it should be and leads are trailing everywhere. I used to say I never left anything on standby but I confess it has been happening due to the chaos. But last night I made sure everything was off at the wall.

I haven't cracked the new wireless control or the central heating either so it's mostly off.

Unusually I get up first and put the kettle on. There's water in it which means someone boiled too much last night but I don't waste the water - it goes on the pot plants. I carefully fill for one cup and one mug (which is what I used to do) saving a bit more energy.

I'm really proud to have responsibility for our ACT CO₂ campaign. I sign off the ads, so I know just, how important all the small actions are for reducing energy and reducing CO₂ emissions.

If we all do it we will make a difference - and save ourselves a bit of money too.