With winter on the way, Rebecca Harris, Member of Parliament for Castle Point, has today called on her constituents to ensure they are taking advantage of free help and support with energy bills.

Rebecca said: “There are a number of simple steps that every constituent should take to make sure they’re doing all they can to keep their bills down and their home warm.”

Insulate your home

One of the best ways to be energy efficient and keep your home warm is to insulate it. British Gas is currently offering free loft and cavity wall insulation which is available to 90% of homes that need it. Loft insulation can save up to £145 and cavity wall insulation can save up to £150 per year. To find out more you can call free on 0800 316 4051 or visit britishgas.co.uk/insulation

Get the best deal

Make sure you are on the best gas and electricity tariff for you. There are lots of deals and fixed prices to help you control your costs. The utility companies must now tell customers in every bill if they have a better tariff for them. It also offers flexible payment plans which allow customers the opportunity to set and manage their own payments.

Financial support

Constituents may be entitled to extra support from the Government and their energy supplier if they meet certain criteria.

For example last year around 550,000 British Gas customers in the UK received the Warm Home Discount – a one off discount of £135 on the electricity bill, rising to £140 this year. British Gas has the broadest eligibility criteria of all energy suppliers. British Gas customers should call 0800 072 8625.

British Gas Energy Trust

The British Gas Energy Trust is an independent charitable trust that offers advice and support for people who are struggling with their household bills. The Trust is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Over the last decade British Gas has provided it with more than £75 million to help 120,000 people with grants and debt advice.

British Gas has teamed up with 18 debt centres across the UK to fund support workers to help people apply for a grant and provide face-to-face advice. You don’t even need to be a British Gas customer to apply. For more information on the British Gas Energy Trust, visit: britishgasenergytrust.org.uk

Rebecca Harris said: “It is really important to be prepared for winter and I want all my constituents in Castle Point to understand what help is available for them, and for their family and friends. Being energy efficient and keeping bills under control is so important and I advise everyone in Castle Point to get in touch with their energy supplier, whoever it is, to find out what support is on offer. You can also call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 for completely free and impartial advice on keeping energy prices down this winter.”