Householders Can Beat the Fuel Price Rises
Householders Can Beat the Fuel Price Rises
Energy efficiency the key to keeping costs low.
1 November 2004
Householders can beat the recent increase in fuel prices and it may not cost them a penny. That's the message from the Bristol & Somerset Energy Efficiency Advice Centre, which during National Energy Efficiency Week, October 25—31, was on hand to help residents in Bristol, Somerset and South Gloucestershire save energy in their home and cut their bills.
It is estimated that the fuel price hikes announced in recent months will mean that the number of households across Bristol, Somerset and South Gloucestershire that can't afford to heat their home adequately will increase by 30% to over 288,000. However, thanks to the wide range of energy-saving grants available — including the newly launched HEAT Bristol Scheme, Somerset Warm & Well and the ever popular Warm & Well scheme in South Gloucestershire — households can fight back against the increases, stay warm and save money.
"There are lots of grants and hefty discounts for measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation. What many people don't realise is that they may be able to get a discount regardless of their income or benefit status," says Advice Centre Manager, Cleo Wilson. "Loft and cavity wall insulation are two of the most effective measures that can be taken to cut fuel bills. Combined with other low-cost and no-cost measures such as installing low-energy light bulbs and turning room thermostats down, loft and cavity wall insulation can help households cut fuel bills by around £200 a year."
Even if you already have a well-insulated house, there are still dozens of ways to beat the price rises just by changing your behaviour, such as drawing the curtains at dusk to keep the heat in and only boiling as much water as you need in the kettle. These measures do make a real difference to how you feel and to your pocket.
To find out how to start saving energy and what grants and discounts are available to help you, call your local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre team free on 0800 512 012, Monday—Friday, 9am—5pm.