Rob is offering advice from the Government to his constituents as to how they can best heat their homes and reduce their energy bills.
The advice comes as part of the “Big Energy Saving Week”, a Government initiative that began three years ago and finishes on Friday 31 January. The Government has offered 10 points of advice:
1. Check your bills carefully
2. Talk to your supplier
3. If money is tight, contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
4. Make sure that you’re on the cheapest tariff
5. Most energy suppliers offer fixed price tariffs
6. If you use a pre-payment meter, remember that standing charges will be
added daily
7. If you use heating oil as your main fuel, buy before winter
8. Make your home energy efficient
9. Save money and energy by turning off appliances when not in use
10. Get a home energy check from the Energy Saving Trust
Rob said: “Some ways to save money on energy are easier than others, but some just boil down to common sense. For example, we all know that we should turn off appliances that we’re not using, but many people often forget. For those who use oil as their main fuel, it’s also far too easy to leave it to the last minute, which is far too late to get the best deals.
“Check your bills against your meter. It’s important to make sure that you’re being charged the right amount. If not, then speak to your provider they can advise you and talk to you about repayment. If you’re really not happy, look at going for a new supplier; make sure that they have the tariff that’s right for you and that it’s the best meter for you.
“As well as only keeping appliances on when you need them, there’s lots of ways of being energy efficient. Insulate your loft and walls, check your boiler and use things like draft stoppers and thicker curtains. It’s worth contacting the Energy Saving Trust to get an energy check that could save up to £250 a year.
“Finally, if money is very tight, then it may be worth contacting the Citizen’s Advice Bureau. They can advise you as to whether you’re entitled to further funding.”