IEA: New Google search tool spotlights IEA information on energy crisis

The first truly global energy crisis has many people asking questions about energy savings and affordability. In the United Kingdom, a year ago just one in ten searches on the topic of energy prices was a ‘why’, ‘how’ or ‘when’ question – now it’s one in four, according to Google. In Germany, search interest has been trending for queries like ‘how to save natural gas’, ‘heating cost’ and ‘how to save energy’ – while in Belgium, searches for ‘how to save on gas’ are up more than 5,000% since this time last year.

In an effort to ensure greater availability of reliable information about the crisis, the IEA is providing advice, data and statistics for people trying to make informed decisions in their everyday lives. Starting today, when people in Europe search on Google for terms such as “Europe energy crisis” and “energy price”, energy saving tips from the IEA will appear in dedicated information panels alongside the results, as well as news articles and information from local authorities about financial assistance that may be available.

The tips are part of two new online “hubs” on the Global Energy Crisis and Saving Energy recently launched by the IEA to increase the availability of trustworthy information about these topics. The hubs feature background information, data and analysis on the nature of the crisis, its causes and impacts, what is being done about it, and what steps can be taken to improve energy security and affordability. They are available in English, German, Italian, French and Spanish and accessible via Google on both mobile and desktop in 29 European countries and in 22 languages.

“The IEA is committed to clearing the fog of misinformation surrounding the current global energy crisis and what people can do to cope,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. “It is vital for policy makers, business leaders and consumers to have access to data, analysis and advice that is accurate and impartial.”