Liberal Democrat MP John Thurso has given his support to a campaign from Citizens Advice Scotland which is aiming to help people cut their fuel bills.

The ‘Big Energy Week’ campaign offers people practical advice on reducing their fuel bills and is seeking to make sure that they receive all the financial support which they are entitled to. There is also a new website – www.bigenergyweek.org.uk – which is full of tips on how to cut energy bills.

‘Big Energy Week’ is running until the 21st of January and John Thurso is urging anyone who is struggling with their energy bills to get in touch with their local Citizens Advice Bureaux and to check the website. Leaflets with tips and advice are also available at CABs locally.

Speaking after the campaign’s launch at Westminster, John Thurso said:

“Rising energy bills have hit households in the Far North hard in recent months and it is vital people have the information and advice to minimise their bills and access the suppport available. The local CAB staff have worked hard to raise awareness on this issue and the ‘Big Energy Week’ campaign is a real opportunity for consumer groups, energy companies and government agencies to work together to help people keep their bills down.”

Citizens Advice Chief Executive, Gillian Guy said:

“We know that price hikes have put extra pressure on people’s budgets at a time when money is already tight. Day in day out our Bureaux are helping people who can’t afford their fuel bills.

“We are worried that some people are struggling unnecessarily because they are not on the best deal; live in homes that haemorrhage heat or are not getting all the financial help available to them.

“More and more people are coming to us for advice on how they can save money on their energy bills. Through Big Energy Week we hope to help lots more people cut their fuel bills and ease their money worries.”

• Contact your supplier to check you are you are on the best tariff and payment method for you. Monthly direct debit is on average £100 cheaper per year than paying by cash or cheque.

• Visit an accredited switching website to see if you could get your energy cheaper elsewhere. You may be able to save up to £200 off your annual bill by shopping around for a different supplier, particularly if you have never changed energy firm.

• Insulate the walls and the loft of your home and you could save on average around £120 per year. All major gas and electricity suppliers are giving away free or discounted insulation to any household, not just their own customers. Ask if you’re eligible so you don’t miss out. That goes for heating oil customers too.

• Check you are not missing out on any benefits or tax credits that could up your income; your local Citizens Advice Bureaux can help you with this.

• Using less energy could save you money, just by doing simple things like turning off lights and switching appliances off at the wall. Turning your thermostat down 1°C alone could cut your heating bill by £60 on average.

• If you are unable to pay your bills you should contact your energy supplier immediately as they have to help you manage your bills in a way that you can afford.