Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau will be running a number of events where people can get help:

•  Checking their energy bills.
• Comparing their energy prices.
• Learning where customers can get help with their energy bills.
• Discussing energy efficiency methods.
• How to access funded energy saving insulation and equipment.

The events will take place around the Big Energy Saving Week

This event will run until 2pm.

Check: Contact your energy supplier to check you are on the best tariff and payment method for your circumstances, or if they can offer you any discounts to cut your bills. Check you are not missing out on any benefits or tax credits that could boost your income.

Switch: Visit an accredited switching website to see if you could get your energy cheaper elsewhere. Shopping around for your energy supplier could save you as much as £200 if you have never switched before. If you use heating oil as your main fuel, see if there are any local oil buying clubs you can join. If not, you might want to start your own.

Insulate: Keep in the heat by insulating the cavity walls and the loft of your home – you could save up to £320 per year. Most suppliers are giving away free or discounted insulation and other energy efficiency measures so ask if you’re eligible.

The Facts
Calls to the Citizens Advice consumer service increased by 44% in the period immediately following supplier price increase announcements this winter.

Up to £20 billion in benefits went unclaimed in the UK in 2011 – that’s enough money to fuel nearly 16 million homes.

The Energy Saving Trust estimates that the average home in the UK wasted £280 last year, simply by not being energy efficient.

For more information
Advice workers and consumers can visit: www.bigenergysavingweek.org.uk or call 0300 123 1234