Birmingham Citizens Advice Bureau helps people to cut their fuel bills in Big Energy Week

As we are well aware through our work on the Final Demand Campaign, rising fuel bills are stretching household finances and people are looking for ways to save money on their energy bills. Supporter of our campaign, Birmingham Citizens Advice Bureau, is here to help.

They will give practical advice and help throughout Big Energy Week (16-21 January 2012) to help people cut their fuel bills and get all the financial support they are entitled to. They will also be putting on a special event at the Tyseley bureau on Thursday 19 January (09:30-18:30). Staff will be on hand to help people reduce their energy bills, and will be signposting those who qualify for additional support and home improvements.

Financial Inclusion Manager Florence Betts said: “More and more people are coming to us for advice on how to spend less on their fuel bills. Through Big Energy Week we want to tell people that help is at hand and that there are things they can do to cut their fuel bills.”

Birmingham Citizens Advice Bureau is urging people to speak to their energy supplier to check that they’re getting the best deal and are on the cheapest payment method - and to save energy by insulating your home – most energy companies are offering free and/or discounted insulation.

You could save more by switching energy suppliers and an accredited switching website can help you do this.

Plus it’s important to check that you are getting all of the benefits and tax credits that you’re entitled to – as you could be missing out on money that could make it easier to pay your fuel bill.

You can pick up a leaflet with tips and advice on cutting your fuel bills at Birmingham Citizens Advice Bureau.

Big Energy Week is an advice campaign coordinated by Citizens Advice to help consumers spend less on heating their home.

A new website – www.bigenergyweek.org.uk - is full of tips on how to cut your energy bills. And as part of Big Energy Week there will be events up and down the country where people can get practical advice on how they could spend less on heating their home.

We are also continuing to gather support for our campaign for a public enquiry into the power and influence of the ‘big six’ energy companies, to assess whether our current system is fit for purpose to deliver the clean, affordable and secure energy we need. You can sign the petition online here or on paper in the reception of our building.

Joe Peacock