British gas: new energy scheme

This latest idea by British Gas is a brave move, but may not yield expected results.

07:59 05 August 2013

British Gas is trying a new scheme to reduce energy usage during the week when the demand is highest from local businesses. The company plans to offer free energy to residential customers on Saturdays, but the customers must have a smart meter in order to truly benefit from the plan.

The potential payoff will be determined primarily by the usage habits of the public and the number of people who participate in the scheme. As far as investments are concerned, the result could yield benefits, or it could have very little impact.

Here are a few things to consider if you’re looking at investments:

• Research as much as possible about the company, product, or service in question. There are professionals who can do this for you, but if you’re interested in your investments and want to have a little more peace of mind, or involvement in the process, the research is essential.

 

• Consider multiple types of investments. You might consider an Independent Savings Account, funding a start-up business, time-shares, or other property investments. Having some diversity in your portfolio offers you better protection when a particular market suffers. The other investments can help reduce the effect of losses.

 

• Use your common sense when you are considering investments. If something doesn’t seem logical, or the payoff seems that it would be less than the initial deposit, it probably isn’t a good idea to invest in such a scheme. Similarly, if results are dependent on multiple factors that must properly coincide, you’ll have to determine if the potential outcome is worth the risk.

 

• Never make investments that will cause you financial problems. If you are not able to lose the money, you should simply set it aside or put it into a savings account and let it slowly accumulate so you will have enough to comfortably invest in the future.