Stephen Metcalfe, local MP
for South Basildon and East Thurrock, is supporting a national day to raise
awareness of the plight of those struggling to heat their homes affordably.
Fuel Poverty Awareness Day
takes place on 28 March and is run by the charity National Energy Action.
Around 4.4 million households in the UK are estimated to be living in fuel
poverty, unable to heat their homes to the level needed to stay warm and
comfortable.
Mr Metcalfe said: ‘’Fuel
poverty is a serious problem affecting around 10,000 households in Basildon,
and Thurrock but there are a range of actions that people can take to make
their energy bills more affordable. This includes making your home more energy
efficient and checking to see if you are eligible for any discounts on your
electricity bills or financial assistance with heating or insulation
improvements.”
“I would urge anyone worried
about meeting their energy costs to contact the independent Home Heat Helpline
on 0800 33 66 99.’’
The Government have also
taken steps to get energy bills down. As a result the regulator, Ofgem, is
now bringing in measures to make energy bills clearer and simpler to ensure
that everyone is on the cheapest tariff to suit their needs; green levies have
been rolled back from consumers’ energy bills; and from 2014 an annual
competition test will be introduced which will look at price, profits,
competition, barriers to entry and how easy it is for consumers to get the best
deal. These changes will save an average of £50 on household bills and all the
major energy companies have confirmed that these savings will be passed onto
their customers.
Alongside this, the Government’s Warm Home Discount Scheme will provide over 2
million households, including over 600,000 vulnerable pensioners, with a £135
discount on their electricity bills.
Maria Wardrobe, Director of External Affairs at NEA said "We welcome the
support of Stephen Metcalfe MP to help tackle this problem in South Basildon
and East Thurrock. It is vital that anyone working with vulnerable and
low-income householders is able to identify and assist those who may be in fuel
poverty, and we have launched a new version of our popular Fuel Poverty Action
Guide to support them through this process and ensure that help reaches those
most in need."
For further information on
Fuel Poverty Awareness Day and to order copies of the Fuel Poverty Action Guide
visit www.nea.org.uk. For energy efficiency
advice and information contact the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99.
