Fuel Poverty Awareness Day

The 3rd of December is Fuel Poverty Awareness Day and with this winter set to be one of the worst winters in terms of rising fuel costs, a record number of people are at risk of being impacted by Fuel Poverty.  By following some simple steps from National Energy Action, we can help those most at risk keep safe during the winter period.

• Contact your energy supplier to see if you are on the cheapest tariff or discuss energy debt

If you are not sure which energy tariff you are on, contact your energy supplier to see if you are on their cheapest tariff. If you are worried you are falling into energy debt, contact your energy supplier as soon as possible. If they know there is a problem, they are required to work with you to find a solution. For example, they can help you to set up an affordable repayment plan and take any payment in a format which is suitable to you.

You can also get advice on energy debt from Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 (Textphone users call 18001 0808 223 1133) or your local Citizens Advice (call charges may apply).

• Check if you can receive any energy discounts or payments.

Contact your energy supplier to see if you are entitled to a Warm Home Discount. This is best done around October each year (however some suppliers open their schemes earlier in the year). This is a discount of £140 on electricity bills for the winter period.

• Take a meter reading

If you take regular meter readings and submit them to your energy supplier this will help you keep an eye on your energy use and keep your bills accurate. If you receive a bill and it has an ‘E’ marked against the meter reading, then this means it is estimated by your supplier. You may not be paying the right amount for your energy.

• Stay Safe

Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that cannot be seen, smelt or tasted. The common signs of carbon monoxide are gas flames burning orange or yellow instead of the normal blue, soot stains on or above the appliance and/or coal or wood fires that burn slowly or go out. Carbon monoxide can be produced by faulty fuel burning appliances in your home such as a gas boiler or gas fire/heater where there is poor ventilation. Make sure that fuel burning appliances such as fires, boilers and gas cookers are regularly serviced by a qualified engineer. If you rent your home, then by law landlords must carry out an annual safety check of gas appliances in the home and provide you with a gas safety certificate.

• Avoid damp and condensation

When it is cold, condensation can be a big problem in many homes. Try the following:
• Keep temperatures in all rooms above 15°C in colder weather. This will reduce condensation forming on outside walls
• Insulate your home
• Keep your home ventilated. Make sure vents and air bricks are not covered or obstructed
• Try not to dry washing in the house. If you do, use an airer and don’t dry clothes on radiators. Opening windows slightly will allow moisture to escape but be aware of security
• Open window trickle vents during the day or when going out
• Wipe down windows/mirrors/tiles/shower with an absorbent cloth. Open windows after bathing or washing and leave them open for a short while to release steam if it is safe to do so.

• Make your home energy efficient

Preventing draughts can be a cheap way of making your home warmer. Draught-proofing products are available at DIY stores. Close curtains at dusk to keep the heat in and use thermal underlay beneath carpets. Loft and cavity wall insulation can also make a big difference to bills and comfort, as can replacing an old inefficient boiler.

For More Information click the link below:

Your Home Energy Checklist (England)