New figures from the Energy Saving Trust reveal that households in Pembrokeshire could save £1,090,000 by taking control of their heating and turning down the thermostat in overheated homes. Households could save £75 a year individually and this could also save 5000 tCO2 per year across the area.
Big Energy Saving Week – a joint campaign between Energy Saving Trust, Department of Energy and Climate Change and Citizens Advice – also reveals 74 per cent of people are still worried about their energy bills. The campaign helps householders learn how to take control of their energy bills with free advice available during the week over the phone, online and at events across the UK. The campaign is launching a heating myth-buster and urges customers to switch supplier.
Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of Energy Saving Trust, said: “Rightfully, millions of householders are confused by their heating controls because, let’s be honest, it is a bit of a minefield. There are plenty of myths out there and it’s no wonder people aren’t getting it right. We are urging customers to learn about the myths, check their tariff, switch suppliers and insulate their homes.”
Local Assembly Member Paul Davies said: “It is a pleasure to be involved with Big Energy Saving Week. At a time when gas and electricity bills have been rising on a yearly basis, there has never been a more prudent time to think about energy saving.”
He added, “I’d like to urge people across Pembrokeshire to log on to www.energysavingtrust.org.uk to find everything from basic tips to in-depth advice on how to save money and reduce carbon emissions. This website provides the perfect opportunity for households across Pembrokeshire to learn about how they can make a difference.”
Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said: “Every day, Citizens Advice helps people who are struggling to meet the cost of their energy bills. Eighty thousand people a year come to us for help with fuel debts. With prices up a third since 2010, it’s more important than ever that people know what they can do to keep their fuel bills down and what help is available. That’s why we’re running events up and down the country to help people make sure they are not paying a penny more than they have to.”
In order to reach as many households as possible, during the course of the week there will be local events across the UK which will be run by a network of Citizens Advice Bureaux and community volunteers.