STEPHEN CRABB, Member of Parliament for Preseli Pembrokeshire, has today called on his constituents to ensure they are taking advantage of the free help and support that could save them money on their energy bills.

The recent hike in energy prices has prompted action by the Government to help people heat their homes this winter.

The local MP has welcomed the steps announced in the Autumn Statement which will help save £50 off the average householder’s electricity and gas bills.

These savings will be funded through the next wave of Government action to tackle tax avoiders. The Government will be providing a £1000 stamp duty rebate for all new householders who make energy efficiency improvements in addition to the new competition test which has been used to crack down on energy companies and deliver a £5 rebate for all customers.

Stephen is encouraging constituents to focus on three main areas to take to make sure they are doing all they can to keep their bills down and their homes warm:

1. Home insulation: with an average of £1 in every £4 spent on heating wasted due to poor insulation, one of the best ways to keep energy bills down this winter is to insulate homes. Loft insulation could save the average household around £180 per year, with cavity wall insulation saving up to £140 per year. All of the big energy companies provide some form of free energy efficiency, depending on an individual’s circumstances. This is provided through the Government’s Energy Companies Obligation Scheme (ECO). The Green Deal is also available to let householders and businesses pay for some or all of the cost of energy-saving improvements to their properties, over time, through savings on their energy bills.

2. Get the best deal: it’s important for householders to check that they are on the best gas and electricity tariff to suit their needs. There are lots of deals and fixed prices to help keep control of the costs. Householders should contact their supplier and make sure they are getting the best deal. There are also a number of websites offering price comparisons. The Government has already made switching easier by making the market move to 24 hour switching.

3. Financial support: Constituents may be entitled to extra support from the UK Government and their energy supplier if they meet certain criteria. The Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300, Cold Weather Payments which pay £25 every week of a cold spell, and the Warm Home Discount which takes £135 off the bills of two million households, are available to help the most vulnerable with their energy.

Stephen Crabb MP said,

“I know from talking to many people just what pressure some households are under in trying to keep their homes warm in the winter. It is an expensive time of year. We also have many rural households reliant on off-grid energy, like heating oil and LPG, aside from their electricity bills.”

“I want all my constituents to be Winter Ready and it can be difficult to understand what extra help is available. This simple advice is designed to help people see how they can cut energy use and help keep bills under control this winter.”

“Householders can check what grants and financial support are available by using the Department of Energy and Climate Change online calculator www.gov.uk/energy-grant-calculator.”