As we get into a second snow session of the cold snap, Newport and the rest of Wales will be engulfed in ice and snow for the next couple of days. And staying warm in this intense cold will only continue to pierce a hole in the wallets of the the elderly, the disabled, those living with a long term health condition or a family on a low income.
However, help comes in the form of the Home Heat Hotline at 0800 33 66 99.
The helpline can provide:
Access to reduced tariffs - often called 'social tariffs' - which typically provide a 20% saving
Grants for free home insulation – with no means testing for those over 70
Flexible payment options for customers in fuel debt.
Access to the Priority Service Register – which includes a free annual gas appliance safety check and passwords for official gas and electricity-related callers, and
People can call themselves or ring on behalf of a friend, relative or someone they care for.
As temperatures plummet the Home Heat Helpline is urging Newport householders to call their free phone number (0800 33 66 99) and get the help to beat the cold snap.
The Home Heat Helpline is on standby to help those who are worried about the cost of heating their home this winter and is encouraging householders to find out if they are eligible for reduced or 'social' tariffs, free insulation and to get free advice on making their home more energy efficient.
Thousands of eligible households across Newport are already known to be missing out on the help and support which could make them big savings on their energy bills. Recent research by New Policy Institute into homes in Wales missing out found that in Newport alone, 11,800 eligible homes - which is almost a fifth of all homes in the city – could be accessing help and saving around £250 on their energy bills.
Christine adds that households across the region should also consider taking some simple practical steps around the house that will help them keep warm and cut their energy bills straight away.
The Home Heat Helpline suggests the following tips for Newport residents to help them keep warm and reduce their energy bills over the cold snap:
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.
If you think you are one of these households then the advice is quite simple – call the Home Heat Helpline today on 0800 33 66 99.
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