Winter can be a challenging time for households and businesses around the country, particularly when the cost of living is rising faster than incomes.
As the darker nights set in, Assembly Member Eluned Morgan is calling on all those living in Mid & West Wales to be prepared and to ensure they are taking advantage of free help and support with energy bills.
“Being energy efficient and keeping bills under control is really important, so I’d encourage people to get in touch with their energy supplier to find out what support is on offer. There are a number of simple steps that everyone should take to make sure they’re doing all they can to keep their bills down and their home warm.”
Sarwjit Sambhi, Managing Director of UK Home at British Gas, said: “Winter can be a challenging time for households and many people may be concerned about their winter energy bill. Help is available and we urge customers to get in touch so we can offer them advice and support.
“In the long term, energy efficiency is still the best way to save money on bills. British Gas is proud to be leading the roll-out of smart meters across Britain, which enable you to see how much energy you’re using in pounds and pence and identify where savings can be made.”
Get the best deal:
Make sure you are on the best gas and electricity tariff for you.
British Gas tells customers in every bill if they have a better tariff for them, allows customers to switch between its tariffs without paying a penalty charge and offers flexible payment plans which enable customers to set and manage their own payments.
Anyone worried about their energy bill can call British Gas on 0800 048 0202 to discuss the help available.
The British Gas 2017/18 Warm Home Discount scheme
The Warm Home Discount scheme (WHDS) offers a one off payment of £140 (inclusive of VAT) towards the electricity bills of households that need it most in England, Scotland and Wales.
The scheme was introduced by the Government in April 2011 and administered by energy suppliers. The discount is provided to eligible customers as a payment credited to their electricity account, or as a £140 credit on their electricity key or meter, during the winter.
Get a smart meter
Your energy supplier will be able to install a smart meter, which means an end to estimated bills. A smart energy monitor shows how much energy you are using, and what you are spending. British Gas customers are provided with online tools to help them manage their energy usage. Find out more by visiting www.britishgas.co.uk/smartmeters
Extra support for vulnerable customers
Constituents may be entitled to extra support from the Government and their energy supplier if they meet certain criteria. Last year more than 700,000 British Gas customers in the UK received the Warm Home Discount – a one off discount of £140 on the electricity bill. The company has the broadest eligibility criteria of all energy suppliers. British Gas customers should call 0800 072 8625.
The 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. Since it was established in 2004, British Gas has provided £85million of funding to the Trust which has helped more than 176,000 people with debt advice and grants.
For more information on the British Gas Energy Trust, visit: www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk.
Keep your home warm, working and safe
Your gas appliances should be checked for safety every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. These important checks can detect a range of problems from boiler faults to gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning. For more information on booker checks, visit: www.britishgas.co.uk/homecare
