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Fuel poverty awareness day - get energy smart

Its Fuel Poverty Awareness Day today, so we wanted to share some ideas to get energy smart at home.

At Wrekin, we work closely with the Marches Energy Agency and their Get Energy Smart campaign is all about helping you save money and stay warmer this winter.

You can get started today with their three Smart Steps:

  1. Get a smart meter. Smart meters send information straight to your supplier and show you exactly how much your energy is costing, so that means no more estimated bills or nasty surprises.
  2. Check your tariff. Energy costs can creep up over time so it’s worth thinking about a switch. Switching is surprisingly easy and could save you 100’s of pounds.
  3. Cut out the waste. Changes such as installing LED lightbulbs and switching off appliances at the plug can help you save energy and reduce your bills.

Keep Shropshire Warm offer free, impartial energy advice and can support you with any of these steps. You can call them on 0800 112 3743 or email advice@mea.org.uk.

Winter fuel payment

If you are of state pension age, are eligible and receive the State Pension, you are able to get a Winter Fuel Payment. This can be between £100 and £300 towards paying your heating costs and is usually applied automatically. For more information, visit the gov.uk website or call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160.

Warm Home Discount

Households on a low income or those who receive the Guarantee Pension Credit may be entitled to a ‘Warm Home Discount’. This is a credit on your electric bill, normally given by the end of March. If you qualify automatically, you should receive a letter by December 2020 telling you how to get the discount, or you may need to apply direct to your supplier. Don’t delay contacting your supplier as applications are limited! To find out more visit the gov.uk website or call Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 731 021.

Our Money Matters team can offer advice on money and benefits. In the COVID-19 Support and advice section, we have listed the questions and answers we are getting asked most often. They can be contacted on 01952 217234 or you can email money.matters@wrekin.com.

Fuel Poverty Awareness Day is coordinated by the fuel poverty charity NEA.

#FuelPovertyAwarenessDay #WarmSafeHomes

27th November 2020