Switching energy supplier could save you £££s

Oct 27, 2015

By Lee Bradbury, Health, Safety and Environment Manager

It’s Big Energy Saving Week this week (26 October) –  a national campaign to help people cut their fuel bills and get all the financial support they are entitled to.   We work with numerous residents across the North West on behalf of our social housing clients and although social landlords are doing all they can to provide help and advice on keeping energy bills down, we know some people do struggle to manage their bills, which is why we are keen to help spread the work about this.

The week will be raising awareness of how switching energy supplier/tariff can save you ££££s – the problem is that most of us just can’t be bothered. Shopping around could save you around £200 and if you are internet savvy there are lots price comparison websites that will show you different prices.  If you don’t have access to the Internet, Citizens Advice will send you a leaflet on deals in your area – call them on  03454 040506.

The best thing to do is to check you are on the correct tariff for you and make sure you benefit from dual fuel discounts if you get gas and electricity from the same company. Check how you are paying bills, most suppliers offer a discount for paying your bill by direct debit. On average it is £100 cheaper per year.  Check you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to and if you are not sure your local Citizens Advice will help. Pensions may also get a Winter Fuel Payment and you can call the helpline on 0845 915 1515 to apply.

You can also make simple changes in your home to keep it energy efficient by making sure you draw the curtains at dusk, keep internal doors closed, turn off lights and lamps when you are not in a room and turning the thermostat down by a couple of degrees.

You may also be able to get help and advice from your energy supplier about making your home more efficient and reducing the amount you spend on energy.   You can find out what schemes are available from the Energy Saving Trust or by calling 0300 123 1234

This is the fifth Big Energy Saving Week and is a partnership between Citizens Advice, the Energy Saving Trust and the Department of Energy and Climate Change with the support of numerous organisations, charities and companies – like us!

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