HELP ELDERLY WINTER-PROOF ENERGY BILLS
At Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead we’re asking people to think about switching energy supplier and help an older relative or neighbour find a better deal.
The local charity is part of Big Energy Saving Week – a joint campaign with Energy Saving Trust, the Department of Energy and Climate Change and Citizens Advice.
Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead is encouraging people to visit BeAnEnergyShopper.com to find out how much they could save by switching energy suppliers.
As people prepare for winter something many people can do is switch to a better gas and electricity deal. An Ipsos MORI survey of 2,000 people shows millions of UK households don’t realise how much they could save from switching their energy supplier or tariff.
The survey shows that:
Help them use the internet
For Big Energy Saving Week 2015 Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead is urging householders to help elderly people who may need support to winter-proof their energy bills. Almost two thirds (65 per cent) of people with an elderly friend or relative believe they can’t switch because they don’t know how to use the internet.
Online searches are the main way Brits find the best energy deal – over three quarters (78 per cent) of us would use an online site to switch, yet only 13 per cent have actually taken the time to help an elderly person to find a better deal.
This is in contrast with other chores undertaken by friends, neighbours and family. Of those running errands for older people, 61 per cent do their grocery shopping, 58 per cent visit them regularly for company and nearly half (47 per cent) drive them to local services.
Switching Myths
Ipsos Mori show that misunderstandings could be a major reason why people aren’t switching. Nearly 60 per cent believe one or more of the switching myths:
Elaine Parr, District Manager, Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead, said:
“Switching myths mean people are missing out on saving money on their energy bills.
“By shopping around and switching to a different energy deal consumers can cut hundreds of pounds from their gas and electricity bills. Whether you own your home or rent it, and regardless of whether you have a prepayment meter, there are savings to be made.
“The process of shopping around and switching is fairly straightforward but some people might be unsure about how to find the best tariff. Others might be put off by common myths about switching.”
Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Amber Rudd, said:
“By not switching, hardworking bill payers are missing out on hundreds of pounds – savings which could especially help older people heat their homes for less this winter.
“We’re spreading the message to help friends, family and neighbours to shop around for a better deal. We’ve made it easier to change supplier and increased competition in the market – so there’s never been a better time to switch.”
For more information please contact:
Barrie Clarke, Research and Campaigns Coordinator, Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead
07504 475384
For advice about switching and to find the best energy deal visit BeAnEnergyShopper.com For advice and tips on how to save money on your energy bill call the Energy Saving Advice service on 0300 123 1234.
**Ends**