Stephen
Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, is calling on
constituents to think ahead to next winter’s energy bill in a campaign by the
Home Heat Helpline and Energy UK.
Although it
might seem a bit early to be thinking about next winter’s bills, the Home Heat
Helpline say that nearly half of people eligible for help with their heating
bills did not claim last year.
Angela
Knight, Chief Executive of Energy UK commented: “Now that we at last are seeing some sun, this is absolutely the right
time to get ready to keep warm next winter and to start saving money. Don’t
wait until it’s cold to see if you’re eligible.”
Stephen Metcalfe MP
added: “People tend to ring the helpline in the winter months but Energy UK is
urging people to get ready for winter now. If you ring the helpline, you can
find out what you are eligible for. It might mean that your home will be warmer
next winter and you’ll have savings in your pocket.”
With next winter possibly only five
months away, Energy UK is urging people to start planning NOW with five simple
summer savers.
1. Call the Home Heat Helpline - find out what
help you might be eligible for and how to save money on your energy bill.
2. Apply for your Warm Home Discount – all the major
energy suppliers give £135 off to customers who are struggling with their bills
and are over 70, living with long-term disabilities or bringing up young
children at home. Avoid the rush and apply now – most applications are open.
3. Get a free home energy check - Every supplier will
be able to offer help and advice on what you can do today to save next winter –
and most will do it for free. Make sure you talk to your energy supplier about
your own home and circumstances.
4. Fix the leaks - summer is the perfect time to install
insulation in your home to ensure you are warm through the winter. Companies
offer to do this work for free or at heavily subsidised rates for some
customers and the Home Heat Helpline can help you find out if you might
qualify.
5. Spring clean your boiler – while its warm
and the boiler takes a welcome break make sure your boiler is as efficient as
it can be. If your boiler is 15 years old or more it might be time for a
replacement. Boilers account for around 55% of what you spend in a year on energy
bills, so it’s worth doing if you need to.
The helpline can be reached on 0800 33
66 99. People can call to speak to one of the friendly advisors or visit www.homeheathelpline.org.uk, where you can now chat online to advisers if you’d
rather not call.
In the last year, over 40,000 people
have called the Home Heat Helpline to claim assistance with their fuel bills.
Home Heat Helpline: 0800
33 66 99 or www.homeheathelpline.org.uk
Follow the Home Heat
Helpline on Twitter for added advice and updates @HHHelpline
