Hemel Hempstead MP Mike Penning supported the Citizens Advice Bureau’s Big Energy Saving Week campaign to help people reduce their energy bills.

The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their problems by providing free, independent, confidential advice, and the campaign aims to make sure people are aware of the ways in which they could reduce their energy costs.

Mike said:
“It is now, when the temperatures start to drop, that people begin to worry about whether they will be able to afford their winter energy bill.

“As part of Big Energy Saving Week Citizens Advice is giving people practical advice on how they can make savings on their energy bill, by checking they are on the best tariff, switching to a different supplier, and insulating their homes.”

Citizens Advice found that two-thirds of people think their energy bill will be higher this winter, but only a quarter had checked with their supplier to see if they were on the best deal, and just 16% had changed to another energy company.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice said: “We are worried that some people are finding themselves unnecessarily hard-up because they’re paying more than they have to for their fuel bill and aren’t getting all of the help that is available to them.”

“Throughout Big Energy Saving Week we are helping the nation prepare for winter and putting money back in people’s pockets.”

Citizens Advice suggest six steps to reduce energy bills:

• Check you are on the best deal with your current supplier and whether there is a better way you can pay your bills. Most suppliers offer a discount if you pay by direct debit, on average around £100, compared to paying your bill by cash or cheque.
• Make sure you are getting all the financial help you are eligible for. Up to £20 billion of benefits went unclaimed in 2011. Your supplier might be able to offer you a discount if you are on certain benefits too. Speak to your local Citizens Advice Bureau who can help.
• Switch to a better deal with a new supplier, particularly if you have never switched before. You could potentially save as much as £200 or more by shopping around. A list of accredited websites can be found at www.consumerfocus.org.uk/get-advice/energy/confidence-code [1]
• If you use heating oil, consider joining or setting up a local oil buying club. You might be able to negotiate a discount with suppliers if you are buying in bulk. Also, buy early before winter and you might get it cheaper.
• Insulate the loft and cavity walls of your home is a great way to save money on your heating bills, up to £160 per year if you do both. Most major energy suppliers are also offering this free or at a reduced price. Act now before winter!
• You might also be able to get some help with improving the efficiency of your property from Government funded schemes if you are on a low income. There are different schemes for Scotland, England and Wales.
• There are also lots of small things you can do for free or at low cost around the home to save money on your energy bills saving, on average, up to £195 per year. You can find out more by calling the Energy Saving Trust on 0300 123 1234 or fill out an online home energy check at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Insulation/Home-Energy-Check [2]

More information is available at www.bigenergysavingweek.org.uk [3] , or on 0300 123 1234.