Deep Freeze heats up calls to Energy Helpline

12.00.00am GMT Tue 12th Jan 2010

The freezing conditions sweeping across Rutherglen and Cambuslang are having a deep impact on households concerned about keeping warm, with a significant increase in calls to the Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99) over the festive period. The Helpline, based in Glasgow, has had an increase of no less than 23% in calls over November-December 2009 from the same period in 2008.

Glasgow Liberal Democrat MSP Robert Brown is urging local people in Rutherglen and Cambuslang who are worried about high fuel bills during the cold snap to contact the Home Heat Helpline, (0800 33 66 99) which offers free practical energy advice for people concerned about paying their energy bills.

The Home Heat Helpline is open from 9am-8pm Monday to Friday and 10am-2pm Monday to Saturdays. Robert Brown visited the Home Heat Helpline in August to meet the staff who provide this important national service.

Recent "Missing Millions" research from the Home Heat Helpline revealed that 16,300 households across South Lanarkshire are missing out on savings of up to £250 each year on their energy bills.

The research showed that households across Rutherglen and Cambuslang could save around £150 a year on their heating bills by insulating their lofts and a further £115 a year with cavity wall insulation.

People on benefits could also be missing out on financial help - child tax credit, pension credit, disability living allowance and jobseekers allowance could all entitle recipients to additional grants for insulating a house or improving a home's energy efficiency.

In addition, energy suppliers may have special tariffs to help those in difficulty pay their bills, and for parents bringing up children alone, there are special grants and services available so they don't suffer unnecessarily over the winter.

Fuel poverty disproportionately affects older people, single parents and those living with disabilities.

Robert Brown said:

"At this time of year, many people often worry about their fuel bills, and never more so than this winter with the prolonged cold spell.

"But there is help and advice available from the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 for themselves or maybe on behalf of a neighbour or friend who may be in fuel poverty.

"The support they can provide is varied - it may be a benefits check, or a grant, or a discussion about flexible payment options. Helpline advisors can give people help in making their home more energy efficient, and information on reduced or "social" tariffs and free insulation is available.

"Those who are over 60 are also entitled to be in the Priority Service Register, giving access to a range of services which may make your life a bit easier.

"Advice on organising a new tariff, how to keep warm and how to save money on your bills is only a free phone call away and I hope anyone throughout Rutherglen and Cambuslang who is worried about being cold this winter will contact the Home Heat Helpline straightaway,"

Home Heat Helpline spokesperson Christine McGourty says:

"The increase in calls to the Helpline indicates that households in Rutherglen and Cambuslang and across the UK are suffering as a result of the extreme weather conditions - but it is positive that people are reaching out for help."

ends

Notes to Editors

Home Heat Helpline - 0800 33 66 99

TIPS FOR A WARMER HOME

· Make sure your radiators and heaters are not blocked by furniture or covered by curtains, otherwise most of the heat will literally disappear out the window.

· Keep draughts at bay using a draught-proofing kit, available from most DIY stores to block draughts around external windows and doors.

· Replace your traditional light bulbs with energy efficient ones. These use 80% less energy, and can cost as little as 50p.

· Appliances left on standby can use as much as three-quarters of the energy they use when they are fully switched on - so turn them completely off when not in use.

· Mend the drips. A dripping hot water tap can waste enough hot water to fill half a bath in just one week, so fix leaking taps and make sure they're all fully turned off.