Rhoda Grant MSP Backs Big Energy Savings Week 2014

23rd January 2014

North (Scottish Labour) MSP, Rhoda Grant is backing Big Energy Savings week, which will take place between the 27th-31st January. This will mark the third annual campaign organised by Citizens Advice Scotland, aimed at helping people cut their fuel bills and access the financial support they are entitled to. The campaign aims to encourage consumers to ‘Check – Switch – insulate’ to save themselves money.

Energy costs are one of the biggest issues facing Scottish consumers, with an estimated 27% of the Scottish population are affected by fuel poverty and following recent energy price rises this number is expected to rise and many struggle to heat their home. The BESW campaign is targeted at consumers across Scotland to help increase access to cheaper energy, help them get support when they need is and where possible, save money and energy.

The campaign is extremely important as household energy bills have more than doubled in the last nine years and a third of scots struggle to afford their electricity and gas bills. Many people stay on the same tariff or energy supplier without realising they could be getting a better deal, and could save up to £200 a year particularly if they have never switched before. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that an average UK home wastes £280 a year, simply by not being energy efficient.

Rhoda Grant MSP who is helping raise the profile of the campaign across the Highlands and Islands commented

“ With such a high number of houses across the region living in fuel poverty it is really important consumers are getting the best deal they can on gas and electricity bills, this is why I am backing this years Big Energy Saving week.

“Consumers should do 3 things to save money and energy, check, switch and insulate. Contacting your energy supplier to make sure you are on the best tariff and payment method for your circumstances and see if they are able to offer any discounts to help cut bills.

“There are a lot of price comparison websites available, it is worth checking if switching supplier could save you money. This is even more worthwhile if you have never switched before and could save you as much as £200.

“Insulation is also key to helping spend less on your bills. Cavity wall insulation and insulating the loft could save you up to £230 a year. Most suppliers will give you some sort of free or discounted installation to help keep the heat in your home, ask your supplier if you are eligible.”

For lots of tips and advice go to
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/aboutus/events/bigenergysavingweek.htm