18/01/12 - Justin Tomlinson MP Supports Help For Consumers During Big Energy Week

Justin Tomlinson with constituent Adam Poynter who benefited from a Health Through Warmth Scheme
last year

With 38% of people in the South West worried that they can’t afford their next fuel bill, this week consumer organisations, energy suppliers, switching sites and Government agencies are working together to let struggling consumers know about all the help that is available.

Big Energy Week is a Citizen’s Advice initiative designed to raise awareness of ways to save money on energy bills. Big Energy Week will see advisers across the region help people spend less on heating and powering their home, including events across the region. The Week is supported by Consumer Focus, Which?, Energy UK, energy companies, charities, accredited switching sites, Ofgem and the Government.

Justin Tomlinson MP said “I welcome the fall we have seen in some energy prices in recent weeks but people are still struggling. Big Energy Week is an excellent initiative to help people find ways to cut their bills.”

USwitch.com is launching a ‘Send Us Your Bill’ service for customers without internet. By sending a copy of their latest energy bill to Freepost USwitch, customers can get free advice on alternative deals that may save them money. This is just one of the initiatives launched as a part of the Week.

Big Energy Week is helping people save money on their bills by encouraging them to:

• Contact your supplier to check you are you are on the best tariff and payment method for you. Monthly direct debit is on average £100 cheaper per year than paying by cash or cheque.

• Visit an accredited switching website to see if you could get your energy cheaper elsewhere. You may be able to save up to £200 off your annual bill by shopping around for a different supplier, particularly if you have never changed energy firm.

• Insulate the walls and the loft of your home and you could save on average around £120 per year. All major gas and electricity suppliers are giving away free or discounted insulation to any household, not just their own customers. Ask if you’re eligible so you don’t miss out. That goes for heating oil customers too.

• Check you are not missing out on any benefits or tax credits that could up your income; your local Citizens Advice Bureaux can help you with this.

• Using less energy could save you money, just by doing simple things like turning off lights and switching appliances off at the wall. Turning your thermostat down 1°C alone could cut your heating bill by £60 on average.

• If you are unable to pay your bills you should contact your energy supplier immediately as they have to help you manage your bills in a way that you can afford.

• If you use heating oil or liquid petroleum gas to heat your home, shop around and compare prices from different oil suppliers. You could also save money by buying in bulk with your neighbours; check if there is an oil club you can join or start one up.

You can find out more at www.bigenergyweek.org.uk

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