12 January 2009
Immediate release
 
HELP AVAILABLE TO KEEP WARM THIS WINTER

Dumfries MSP Elaine Murray has highlighted an energy helpline available to ensure the elderly and vulnerable in Dumfries and Galloway have the information and advice to keep them warm this winter. The helpline can help reduce the cost of energy bills by helping to cut energy usage, provide free insulation as well as reduced ‘social tariffs’ from energy suppliers.

Elaine Murray MSP said: "Dumfries and Galloway been facing arctic temperatures and so obviously we want to keep the heating in our homes up.

"This is obviously costly and I am concerned about the impact this will have on my constituents, particularly the elderly and vulnerable. It is imperative they don’t let their house become cold as the elderly are less able to detect a change in temperature.

"For those worried bout how to stay warm and manage their energy costs, there is help available. The Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99) is a freephone energy helpline set up to tackle fuel poverty by helping people access the information and services they need to manage their fuel bills and reduce their energy consumption. It is aimed primarily at older people, families with young children and disabled people. They can give advice, provide direct access to free insulation and reduced ‘social tariffs’ from energy suppliers.

"New research published by the Helpline recently revealed that millions of households across the UK are missing out on big savings on their energy bills. It also indicated that contacting the Helpline could result in families making savings of more than £250 on their energy bills every year."

ENDS

CONTACT – ANDREW MACKENZIE 07769206856

NOTES TO EDITORS

Home Heat Helpline is based in Glasgow and can be contacted by calling freephone 0800 33 66 99.