McINNES SUPPORTS BIG ENERGY WEEK (Alison McInnes)

Alison McInnes <info@alisonmcinnes.co.uk>

McINNES SUPPORTS BIG ENERGY WEEK

January 19, 2012 5:41 PM

North East MSP Alison McInnes today highlighted the importance of Citizen Advice's campaign aimed at helping people cut their fuel bills.

This week consumer organisations, energy suppliers, switching sites and Government agencies are working together to let consumers who are struggling with rising energy bills know about all the help that is available.

The campaign aims to support people in reducing their energy bills, whether by switching tariff or company or by taking advantage of free energy saving initiatives.

Mrs McInnes explained: "Rising fuel bills are stretching household budgets and people are increasingly looking for ways to save money on their energy bills. According to Citizens Advice Scotland, 35% of people in Scotland are worried they can't afford their next fuel bill. One in two say energy bills will put a strain on their finances this year.

"Many people could cut their electricity and gas bills by moving to a better deal with their existing supplier, switching to another supplier, or by taking up home insulation offers.

"I would urge people to log on to the campaign's new website, www.bigenergyweek.org.uk, which is full of tips on how to cut energy bills. You can also contact your local Citizens Advice Bureaux to for energy saving advice - the number will be in the phone book."

Mrs McInnes added: "The work that Citizens Advice Scotland is doing in coordinating Big Energy Week is admirable, providing the support and advice that people need and making it easier for them to cut their fuel bills."

The Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP has also backed Big Energy Week in Parliament, signing a motion in support of the initiative.

________________________________________________________________________

More information on Big Energy Week can be found at www.bigenergyweek.org.uk
Mrs McInnes has signed S4M-01662 which states: "That the Parliament supports Big Energy Week, which runs from 16 to 21 January 2012 and is designed to help consumers to save money on their energy bills; believes that recent rises in energy prices are a serious worry for constituents who are looking for ways to cut their household bills; congratulates Citizens Advice Scotland on coordinating the week; recognises the contribution of the many other consumer organisations, energy suppliers, switching sites and government agencies who are working together to organise events around the country and to make information, advice and assistance available to energy consumers on al aspects of saving money on fuel bills; trusts that all Members will want to get involved in locally planned activities, thereby directly helping their struggling constituents and, in what it considers these difficult times, calls on the Scottish Government and other bodies to do all they can to help people save money on their energy bills."