ÐÏࡱá > þÿ ˜ š þÿÿÿ – — ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿì¥Á € ø¿ )E bjbjqq 4Ž e e = % ÿÿ ÿÿ ÿÿ · > >      ÿÿÿÿ • • • 8 Í œ i Œ • Af ª õ ” ‰ " « « « † † † Àe Âe Âe Âe Âe Âe Âe $ ëg ¢ j ° æe  = † † = = æe   « « Û ûe =" =" =" = Ð  «  « Àe =" = Àe =" =" vT L Y « ÿÿÿÿ >¹i×ÎÌ • Š ÂW , ¬e f 0 Af îW ( =k — ~ =k X Y Y ž =k  ´[ ø † „ ^ =" h L ´ ‰ † † † æe æe " ( † † † Af = = = = ÿÿÿÿ ÿÿÿÿ ÿÿÿÿ ÿÿÿÿ ÿÿÿÿ ÿÿÿÿ ÿÿÿÿ ÿÿÿÿ ÿÿÿÿ ÿÿÿÿ ÿÿÿÿ ÿÿÿÿ ÿÿÿÿ ÿÿÿÿ ÿÿÿÿ ÿÿÿÿ ÿÿÿÿ =k † † † † † † † † † > G : Cut your electricity and gas bills If you have an e-mail account and internet access you will be able to save money on your energy bills by moving to an online tariff and paying by direct debit. It may be possible to use the computer at your local library / children’s centre if you don’t have the internet at home. Check for the cheapest deals by using a price comparison site. If you are happy with your current supplier, the quickest way to reduce costs is to move to their cheapest tariff. The cheapest tariffs are dual fuel, direct debit, on-line paperless billing. See sheet 2 for more details If you don’t want to use an online tariff check if you can get your suppliers social tariff. See sheet 4 for more details If you aren’t eligible for this, check if there is a cheaper supplier or tariff you could switch to. Paying by Direct Debit rather than on receipt of bill will save money. Take your own meter readings and make sure your bills are based on actual readings rather than estimated readings. If you have a disability or are a pensioner, you can get help from your supplier to read the meter. Ring them and ask about the Priority Service Register If your gas and electricity meters aren't read regularly, bills based on estimated readings mean you could end up paying for more gas or electricity than you actually use, or you might be paying for less than you are using and then get a large bill to pay. If you have a prepayment meter (and owe your supplier less than £200) you can still switch suppliers. Check gas and electricity deals separately on the price comparison sites as dual fuel deals will not always give you the best prepayment meter deal. Ebico is a not for profit supplier who may be able to offer you a better deal as they charge all customers the same rates regardless of payment method. They can be contacted on 0800 458 7689. If you could pay by direct debit it may be worth asking your supplier about replacing the prepayment meter with a credit meter. Check if there is any help you could get to make your home more energy efficient. The Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012 will tell you about any grants available. Wiltshire council has a Home Energy Efficiency Officer who can give advice on energy efficiency and grants (Tel 0300 456 0100). Can you be more energy efficient and reduce your own energy use? See sheet 5 for more details Using a price comparison site to cut your electricity and gas bills. You can find the cheapest tariff by using a price comparison site. You can use the internet or phone them. These independent price comparison sites help thousands of households every month to compare prices and switch to better deals. They offer a comprehensive service that compares your current supplier’s tariffs and usage with those of all the major suppliers. They help you find the best deal and provide you with a free and easy-to-use switching service whether you have a credit or a pre-payment meter. Sites accredited by Consumer Focus include: HYPERLINK "http://www.switchwithwhich.co.uk/home.php?m=home&cid=consumerfocus" \t "_blank" Which? Switch or 0199 282 2867 HYPERLINK "http://www.moneysupermarket.com/" \t "_blank" MoneySupermarket.com or 0845 345 1296 HYPERLINK "http://www.confused.com/gas-electricity/?MediaCode=413" \t "_blank" Confused.com HYPERLINK "http://www.energyhelpline.com/" \t "_blank" energyhelpline.com or 0800 074 0745 HYPERLINK "http://www.uswitch.com/" \t "_blank" uSwitch.com or 0800 404 7908 HYPERLINK "http://www.simplyswitch.com/" \t "_blank" SimplySwitch or 0800 111 395 To use these sites you will need to have the following information ready:- Your post code; The name of your current supplier; The tariff you are on (e.g. Standard Dual Fuel); Your annual energy usage or costs. Suppliers now have to send you an annual statement with this information. If you keep this statement this information can be used to give you an accurate comparison. If you are happy with your current supplier:- You can use a price comparison site or ring your supplier to check if they have introduced a cheaper tariff. Make sure the terms and payment methods suit you. Contact your supplier with your meter readings (or use their website) and ask to move onto this tariff. This move should take effect from the date you requested it. If you do decide to switch supplier:- First check if your current tariff has any cancellation charges or is due to have an annual or quarterly discount applied to your account; Get in touch with the new supplier (telephone numbers on Page 6), make sure you are happy with the contract terms, then sign the new deal with them; Give your new supplier a meter reading on the day you change supplier (it’s worth keeping this); Pay the final bill from your old supplier. The new supplier will manage the switch for you and this takes about 6-8 weeks. If after signing the new contract you are unhappy about this decision, you have up to 7 working days to cancel the contract. Do check that both the new and old suppliers use your meter readings on their bills. Keep the new contract terms. It’s worth checking the price comparison sites at least once a year to make sure you still have a good deal on your gas and electricity. How to cut your electricity and gas bills. Paying by direct debit will save money compared to paying by cheque or cash. If you have an e-mail account and internet access you will be able to save money on your energy bills by moving to an online tariff. It is possible to use the computer at your local library, if you don’t have the internet at home. With an on-line tariff the supplier e-mails you for a meter reading which you input on the suppliers website. This means your bills will be based on actual readings rather than an estimate from your supplier When the bill is ready, your supplier won’t post it to you. You have to log onto the suppliers website and can view/ print it from there. For the cheapest on-line tariffs you pay monthly by direct debit. if you are concerned about possible future price increases, it may be worth considering a fixed price tariff This table shows typical current dual fuel annual costs for medium energy use (i.e. 3 bedroom house with 3 or 4 people living there, the house is empty most days but occupied most evenings and weekends). If you fit into this medium category you will be using around 16,500 kWhs of gas and 3,300 kWhs of electricity a year. TARIFFCost Saving££Prepayment Meter Tariff1260Pay on receipt of bill quarterly by cash or cheque. 1260Pay monthly by Direct Debit 1140120Online billing pay by Direct Debit1050210 If your energy use is low, you’ll be using around 2,100 KWhs of electricity and 11,000 KWhs of gas a year, with the cheapest tariffs costing around £700. If your energy use is high, you’ll be using around 5,100 KWhs of electricity and 23,000 KWhs of gas a year, with the cheapest tariffs costing around £1400. Keep and check the contract terms for your new deal as some have a fixed term or the tariff may change on a set date. Many of the cheapest tariffs have a deal which runs for a specified time after which you will be moved onto another (usually more expensive) tariff. So put this date in your diary and make sure you do another comparison check on this date. Electricity Social Tariffs All the major energy suppliers now offer the Warm Home Discount (WHD) scheme. Electricity customers in receipt of Guaranteed Pension Credit will be contacted and will receive a credit of £120 on their electricity bill. This credit will be paid in March 2012. Electricity customers in receipt of the savings credit element of Pension Credit, or Income Support or Income related ESA or Income-based JSA who have a child under the age of 5, or someone with a disability in their household should ring their energy company to enquire about the Warm Home Discount scheme. Contact details are listed below, along with details of any other schemes offered Scottish & Southern Electric – Warm Home Discount. Electricity customers who receive Pension Credit, or Income Support or Income related ESA / JSA (see conditions above) should ring 0800 300 111 to check their eligibility. EDF Energy Energy Assist For customers spending more than 10% of household income on energy, or receiving Pension Credit or Income support this tariff could give customers the same tariff as Direct Debit customers and an annual discount of £75 for dual fuel (£37.5 single fuel). Apply by phone 0800 269 450. (Not available to customers with online tariffs or gas only). Warm Home Discount Electricity customers who receive Income Support or Income related ESA / JSA (see conditions above) should ring 0800 269 450 to check their eligibility for the rebate. N Power - Warm Home Discount. Electricity customers who receive Income Support or Income related ESA / JSA (see conditions above) should ring 0808 172 6999 to check their eligibility for the rebate. British Gas – Warm Home Discount Operate the WHD scheme for customers in receipt of Pension Credit, Income Support or Income related ESA / JSA (see conditions above). Ring 0800 072 8625. In addition customers in receipt of means tested benefits and cold weather payments should ring 0800 072 8625 to check their eligibility for the £120 annual rebate. Customers with an income of less than £16,190 who are spending more than £1,600 on energy or who are vulnerable should also ring 0800 072 8625 to check their eligibility for the £120 annual rebate. British Gas will ask for your NI number, your benefits office and details of the benefits you receive. Scottish Power – Warm Home Discount Operate the WHD scheme for customers in receipt of Income Support or Income related ESA / JSA (see conditions above). Customers should ring 0800 027 2700 or complete a form on their website. E.ON - E.On Warmassist and Warm Home Discount Offers a 15% discount on standard fuel prices, & energy efficiency help. To qualify there must be no more than 2 people in the household, both over 60 and in receipt of Pension Credit or DLA or AA or over 80. In addition you have to have been an e.on customer for at least 1 year. Apply by phone 0800 404 6287. E.on also offer the Warm Home Discount – Customers in receipt of Pension Credit, Income Support or Income related ESA / JSA (see conditions above) should ring 0800 051 1480 to check their eligibility for the £120 annual rebate. Customers in receipt of Child Tax Credits and an income below £16,190 are also eligible. Ebico – Warm Home Discount Details are the same as Scottish and Southern Electric. Tel 0800 458 7689 British Gas, EDF, & npower all have trust funds to which their customers may apply to for financial assistance. This could include help to clear energy arrears. For more information on reducing fuel costs, ask for our energy guide. Energy saving tips. Heating Tips Set your heating to go off 30 minutes before you leave the house, and come on again 30 minutes before you expect to return. Use your central heating progrmmer effectively to control the heating. Turn the room thermostat down by 1 degree. This can save you around £30 a year. Make sure your radiators are not obstructed by curtains or furniture. Draw your curtains at dusk to help keep the heat generated inside your rooms. Insulate your loft space (to 270mm) and consider cavity wall insulation too. If you don’t qualify for an insulation grant, many DIY stoes (Homebase, B & Q, etc) offer reduced prices on insulation products. Service your boiler annually. Monitor your energy usage by using an energy monitor, or by reading your gas and electricity meter on a weekly/monthly basis. Electrical Appliances Use energy efficient light bulbs which use less energy. Turn lights off when leaving a room. Turn off household appliances such as microwaves, TVs, videos, music systems, and computers when not in use, as they continue to use energy when they are left on standby. Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers and Dishwashers Use a low temperature setting and only wash full loads or use a half-load or economy programme. In summer, dry your clothes outside rather than using a tumble dryer. When drying your clothes indoors, use a clothes rail instead of a radiator as this stops the heat from reaching the rest of the room. Hot Water When using a kettle, only boil as much water as you need. If you live in a hard water area, limescale can effect the efficiency of your kettle. Look out for a buildup of limescale in your kettle and treat with vinegar or descaling solutions. Consider turning the thermostat on your hot water tank down to 60 degrees centigrade which is a comfortable temperature for most people and will save on your heating costs. If you have a standard shower it will use around 40% of the water required for a bath. Only use an immersion heater when you need to and make sure your hot water tank is lagged with an 80mm insulating jacket. FOR INFORMATION ON ENERGY GRANTS CONTACT THE ENERGY SAVING TRUST ON 0800 512 012 Useful contacts Consumer Focus has a list of approved price comparison sites at www.consumerfocus.org.uk Consumer Direct – Can help with problems and complaints if your energy supplier has been unable to resolve the issue. They can also send you a factsheet with details of energy deals in your area. Tel: 08454 04 05 06 The Energy Ombudsman may investigate complaints if all other methods of resolution have failed. HYPERLINK "http://www.energy-ombudsman.org.uk" www.energy-ombudsman.org.uk or 0845 055 0760. Home Heat Helpline offers advice on cheaper payment schemes and grants for customers having difficulties paying fuel bills. Tel 0800 33 66 99. Warm Front may be able to help with insulation and / or heating improvements for private tenants or homeowners in receipt of certain benefits. Tel 0800 316 2805. The Energy Saving Trust has information on home energy effiency and grants. Tel 0800 512 012. Winter Fuel Payments - an annual payment available to people aged 60 or over (on or before 5 July 1950). Tel 08459 151515. Your energy supplier may have grants for insulation, energy monitors, and other energy efficiency measures available to their customers. British Gas Energy Trust – Financial assistance to customers to help clear fuel arrears. Tel 01733 421060. HYPERLINK "http://www.britisg" www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk EDF Energy Trust – Financial assistance to customers to help clear fuel arrears. Tel 01733 421060. www.edfenergytrust.org.uk npower Energy Trust – Financial assistance to customers to help clear fuel arrears. Tel 01733 421060. www.npowerenergytrust.org.uk Witshire Council have an energy efficiency officer who can give information on grants. Tel 0300 456 0100. They have energy efficiency grants available under the Warm & Well scheme for 3,000 homes. Contact the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012 for details of this scheme. Your local CAB can help with fuel debt and other information. If you are in receipt of certain benefits, you may be able to repay fuel arrears at the Fuel Direct rate of £3.30 per week. Energy suppliers’ contact numbers: British Gas 0800 072 8629; EDF 0800 096 9000; Eon 0800 479 2211; Npower 0845 675 0425; Scottish Power 0800 408 1641; Southern Electric 0845 7444 555; Utita 0800 027 9000; Ovo 0800 599 9440; EBICo 0800 458 7689: Co-op 0800 954 0693. WILTSHIRE CAB ADVICE LINE 0844 375 2775 MOBILES 0300 456 8375 PAGE PAGE 2 $ % j ¨ Ã Å Æ È Ï ? @ ~  ò ó @ A L ^ _ ` ‰ ¼ ½ ¾ ìÛÎÀµÀª““ªªª‰ª~ÀmÎÀ_T hìz 5OJ QJ ^J hìz hìz 5OJ QJ ^J hL*[ hw CJ OJ QJ ^J aJ hL*[ 5OJ QJ ^J h“Qd OJ QJ ^J hx8 OJ QJ ^J hw hw OJ QJ ^J hw 5OJ QJ ^J h“Qd 5OJ QJ ^J hw hw 5OJ QJ ^J h|Tç hw OJ QJ ^J hL*[ hL*[ CJ( OJ QJ ^J aJ( &hL*[ hw 5>*CJ$ OJ QJ ^J aJ$ $ % Æ @  ó A ^ _ ` Û A Ž   Ÿ   ¢ £ ÷ ò ê â â â Ð Ç ò ò ê ½ ½ ò ò ê â â ò ò ê &