BRUCE SUPPORTS BIG ENERGY WEEK- HELPING PEOPLE CUT THEIR FUEL BILLS
January 16, 2012 2:03 PM
Malcolm Bruce, the MP for Gordon has given his support to a campaign from Citizen's Advice Scotland that is aiming to help people cut their fuel bills.
The 'Big Energy Week' campaign which runs until the 21st January
aims to combat rising fuel bills which are stretching household finances by offering consumers practical advice on reducing their fuel bills and seeks to ensure that they receive all the financial support to which they are entitled. There is also a new website - www.bigenergyweek.org.uk - which is full of tips on how to cut energy bills.
During the week anyone can get practical advice on cutting their fuel bills and get help to see if they are getting all of the financial support they are entitled to. Leaflets with tips and advice on reducing bills are available at local Citizens Advice Bureaux.
The website also has details of local Big Energy Week events in the local area.
Mr Bruce said:
"I know that Fuel bills are a big worry for many households in Gordon at the moment. I am pleased that this Citizen's Advice Bureau initiative, the Big Energy Week, is there to offer practical advice and support on how people can save energy and money through a variety of measures and hope it will reassure constituents by saving them money on the bill for heating their homes."
Citizens Advice, Chief Executive, Gillian Guy said: "We know hikes in prices have put extra pressure on people's budgets at a time when money is already tight. Day in day out our Bureaux helping people who can't afford their fuel bills.
"We're worried that some people are struggling unnecessarily because they're not on the best deal; live in homes that haemorrhage heat or are not getting all of the financial help available to them."
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.
-ENDS-
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