Energy bills are a big concern for many people and especially in January when fuel usage often reaches its peak. In October 2021, the UK’s energy regulator Ofgem increased the energy price cap, which protects households by limiting how much suppliers can charge for gas and electricity, by £139 a year. This means that unless your energy supply is currently on a fixed tariff from September 2021 or before, your energy costs will now be more expensive.

During Big Energy Saving Week, from January 18 to 24, the focus will be on how people can switch energy suppliers or tariffs to get the best deal, access discounts and make their homes more energy efficient. The campaign is run by a partnership between Citizens Advice, the Energy Saving Trust and the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and aims to help people cut their fuel bills and get financial support should they be entitled to it.

Throughout the week there will be energy saving information stalls at local town halls, supermarkets and community hubs, to reach people who are not aware of the support available.

Being more energy efficient at home is one way to reduce your bill payments, although you will need to pay out before you can access the biggest savings.

Making energy saving alterations to a property involves time and effort so using skilled tradespeople and professionals who have a vast amount of experience and a good knowledge of the local area could make a huge difference to any transition.

As it's so important to keep your home warm and cosy at this time of year a coordinated effort of tradespeople will go a long way to completing a job in super quick time. A one-stop shop for plumbing, heating and electrical work, the independent business Fords of Sidmouth and East Devon has been serving residents in the area for more than 100 years and has a reputation for being reliable. It now provides a complete home trades service and can install anything from boilers and underfloor heating to a complete rewiring and general plumbing.

To retain heat and warmth in the house, it is also important to have good insulation and double glazing, which will also help you save money on those ever increasing energy bills. The Seaton based company, Axe Glass and Glaze is a local glass and glazing business that offers a professional and cost-effective service to its clients. It can install energy-efficient double glazing to keep your home warmer, allowing less heat to be lost.

Financial Help
If you are struggling to pay your bills this winter, there are local council schemes with funding pots available to help you. Citizens Advice East Devon can help with gas and electric prepayment meters, and local councils can help with direct debits. Contact 01395 265 070 or email enquiries@citizensadviceeastdevon.org

Further Help
To compare prices from different energy suppliers call the Citizens Advice helpline on 03454 040506.
Get some specialist energy saving advice from the Energy Saving Trust visit https://energysavingtrust.org.uk or go to the Simple Energy Advice website at www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk or call 0800 444 2020.