Local MP urges people to call Home Heat Helpline

People in Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey could save £140 on their electricity bills according to our Westminster Member of Parlianment

With winter fast approaching, Drew Hendry MP is encouraging local residents in Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey to call a free helpline to find out what help they may be entitled to with their energy costs.

Launched ten years ago, Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99/0333 300 3366) is a free, impartial and confidential service offering support to anyone concerned about paying their energy bills and staying warm during winter. The help available includes grants for insulation, new boilers, discount schemes and rebate schemes; including the Warm Home Discount which provides eligible households with £140 off their electricity bill.

Drew Hendry MP said:

"I would urge anyone who is concerned about staying warm in the run up to winter to call Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 and seek advice. I would also ask people to look out for neighbours, friends or relatives who may be in difficulty and make sure that they are aware of the Home Heat Helpline and consider calling on their behalf."

Eligible people include vulnerable, low-income households. New figures show that over 450,000 people have used the services in the last decade to help them manage their energy bills and energy efficiency.

Home Heat Helpline’s Lawrence Slade said:

“Winter can be an incredibly tough time for people financially, around the UK, and we are here to help. There are many out there that could benefit from our support that we haven’t yet spoken to. Even if you are not eligible yourself, you may know someone else who is. Our Home Heat Helpline number - 0800 33 66 99 - is a direct and easy way for you, your neighbours, friends or family, to get the assistance needed to keep warm.”

There are also some other simple steps people can take in reducing their energy. For example:

· switch off the heating when you are out

· turn appliances like TVs and phone chargers off at the wall rather than leaving them on standby when they're not being used

· replace normal light bulbs with energy efficient ones which use up to 80% less energy

· move furniture away from radiators and heaters to allow heat to circulate around the room