20 May 2013
Waveney MP Peter Aldous today encourages his constituents to plan ahead for winter and start saving money on their energy bills.

While more than 44,000 people called the Home Heat Helpline this winter for help with their bills and leaky homes, recent research, commissioned by the Home Heat Helpline, shows that nearly half of those eligible for help did not claim.

Mr Aldous highlights the following five steps that people can take to start planning for next winter:-

  • 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.