Keep Warm, Keep Well

We are all aware through the media the cost of heating and lighting our homes has increased. The following information is some hints and tips on how to cut your energy bills and how to keep well and warm this winter.

Keep Warm Keep Well is a national campaign to reduce cold-related illnesses and deaths during winter.

Effects on Health

Cold weather can have a serious impact on the health of older and more vulnerable people. As well as the risk of hypothermia as a direct result of cold temperatures, there's an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and worsening of chronic lung conditions.

Who is most at risk?

Those suffering from heart conditions, chest conditions and diabetes.
Anyone who has lowered immunity due to treatment or illness.
Anyone who has had, or is at risk of having a fall.
Those who have difficulty paying their fuel bills.
The elderly and the very young.

How to Keep Warm

Tips for keeping warm

Do keep active. Moving around generates extra body heat
Do have at least one hot meal a day
Do have regular hot drinks throughout the day
Do wear several layers of clothing rather than one thick layer.
Do wear a hat, scarf and gloves and a warm coat when you go out.
Do wear warm, dry, flat, non slip shoes or boots when you go out
Do keep your living area at 21°C during the day.
Do keep your bedroom at 18°C during the night
Do keep your internal doors shut to keep the warmth in the room
Do close your curtains at night to keep the heat in.
Do get financial support by claiming all the benefits to which you are entitled
Do look have a free flu jab if you are over 65 or suffer from ill heath
Do keep an eye on your neighbours
Do pass on this message

For more information please click on the link below for the Keep Well, Keep Warm Booklet

Help for vulnerable consumers

If you are struggling to pay for your energy the following help is available:

Contact your energy supplier

Some suppliers offer cheaper energy deals to those customers on low incomes. Many suppliers can offer free or subsidised energy efficiency measures to customers on low incomes as part of the Government's Energy Efficiency scheme.

Energy Saving Trust

The government funded Energy Saving Trust has advice on energy efficiency measures for domestic consumers at the website of the Energy Savings Trust.

Home Heat Helpline

The Energy Retail Association, which represents energy suppliers, has set up the Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99). It is a free national helpline for vulnerable customers having difficulties paying their fuel bills. For more information visit the home heat helpline website.

Are you on the cheapest supplier?

Changing to a cheaper supplier is a quick and easy process.

The easy way to compare is via a free phone or web based comparison service; just tell them where you live and how big your bills are and they will tell you who is the cheapest.

The comparison sites are listed below all you need to do is click on the link below or telephone them.

Energyhelpline* - Tel 0800 0740745

Moneysupermarket* - Tel 0844 4823515
Uswitch* - Tel 0800 4047908
SimplySwitch* - Tel 0800 0111395

Do you have a pre-payment meter?

Those on pre-payment meters pay a lot more than everyone else. If possible you should try to switch to a billed meter as a priority.

Generally, the cheapest tariff is offered by Ebico currently it is the only company charging prepay users the same as its other users.

The other alternative is British Gas, as it offers a capped tariff to customers on key meters (not token meters). This means your rate is fixed until September 2011, which will give you peace of mind. Both existing and new customers can apply, ring on 0845 955 5700.

To make even more savings...

On top of changing providers, there are still many other things you can do to cut your bills.

Switch to monthly direct debit.

If you currently pay your bills quarterly when you receive them, you can cut the cost by around 10% with almost every provider simply by switching to monthly direct debit.
Do a meter reading every time.

Every time you receive a bill, do a meter reading: don't rely on your energy provider's estimate; as they can be way out. If they're under-billing, you'll have a big bill to pay at the end of the year: if they're over-billing, then they've got your money.

Please note: that the above is for guidance only and changes can occur very quickly, therefore A1 Housing will not be held responsible for problems when changing suppliers or paying the bills.

Winter fuel payments

Winter fuel payments of up to £250 are paid to people over the age of 60. Those over 80 can claim £400. For a claim form or more information contact the Winter Fuel Payment hotline on 08459 15 15 15.

Priority Service Register (PSR)

If you are of pensionable age, disabled or chronically sick you can qualify for the Priority Service Register (PSR) by ringing your gas and electricity companies. Customers on the register are entitled to additional services free of charge, such as:

free annual gas safety checks for qualifying customers,
password schemes,
bills available in large print and braille as well as talking bills,
quarterly meter reading services (if no person occupying the premises is able to read the meter),
having a prepayment meter moved to improve access,
bill nominee scheme, and
priority in an emergency (this could include providing alternative heating and cooking facilities in the event of supply disconnection).

Suppliers are also prohibited from disconnecting a premises occupied by a customer eligible for the PSR during the winter months (1 October - 31 March).

Debt and disconnection

Suppliers make considerable efforts to encourage customers to discuss their circumstances with them directly so that a suitable payment arrangement can be put in place to recover the debt. Failing that, suppliers have an obligation to offer the installation of a prepayment meter to avoid the need for disconnection.

Suppliers have put in place a further safety net offering further protection for vulnerable customers. This includes: fitting a prepayment meter (where it is safe to do so) or putting the customer onto the Fuel Direct payment scheme.

If offers of help are refused and the customer continues to be at risk, social services will be notified for further support and assistance. (Source Ofgem)