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Pensioners urged to call energy helpline
Thursday 11 December, 2008
By becca.talbot@consumerchoices.co.uk
Pensioners and poorer families struggling with fuel bills are being urged to call a free helpline to help them make their homes more energy efficient.
The Home Heat Helpline offers free advice and financial support for installing energy efficiency measures in the home, and is run by the Energy Retail Association (ERA). ERA is funded by the big six energy companies including British Gas, npower and E.ON.
As well as providing advice about grants for free home insulation and flexible payment options, the helpline offers access to a range of support services.
David Thompson , 67, from Stockport, called the helpline and has already reduced his energy bills: “I was so glad that I called the helpline. They told me about cavity wall insulation and how I could save money by claiming a discount if I used a registered company. They also got me a £300 voucher towards the cost of new boiler.”
He added: “I know some old people worry about things like this but I would reassure them that’s it’s really worth doing.”
One in four Britons will face fuel poverty by the end of 2009, and more than 4.5million pensioners will be living in just one heated room of their homes this winter, according to the National Housing Federation.
Britain’s energy suppliers have been criticised for failing to cut their prices in recent weeks, following the drop in wholesale gas and oil costs. And earlier this week, the boss of energy giant E.ON (www.eonenergy.com) warned bills will increase further.
Para-Olympian Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson and veteran British actor, Richard Wilson OBE are backing the campaign to encourage the elderly, single parents and disabled people to seek help with bills.
Richard Wilson OBE who played Victor Meldrew in One Foot in the Grave, said: “I’m worried people are not getting the support they are entitled to on energy bills – whether it’s pensioners, single parents or people with disabilities, there are special rates, support through free insulation and wider help out there.”
For more information, you can call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 (9am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-3pm on Saturdays) or visit www.homeheathelpline.org.uk.
Chris Eagle, commercial manager at EnergyChoices.co.uk said: “The Home Heat Helpline comes as a welcome measure to help the elderly and fuel poor struggling with high energy bills. With the days get colder and shorter, it’s important people know where to get the advice they need to keep warm this winter.”
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