12 December 2007
Vulnerable UK householders are missing out on bill-cutting energy help this winter, consumer group energywatch has said.
In fact, research from the group shows that four in five of customers entitled to free energy services from the government do not know that such schemes exist.
Similarly, special grants aimed at helping low-income customers out with their gas and electricity bills also go apparently under-publicised. Using the grants, extra insulation and other energy efficiency boosting features are fitted in homes.
Carlene Golightly, Head of the Priority Consumers Unit at energywatch said: "As winter weather starts to bite, households face their highest bills of the year…many could be driven to turning their heating off. It's a danger to health for the elderly, for the long-term sick and families with very young children.
She added: "We urge people to contact energywatch to find out the best energy deals for their needs and to find out about free services and grants they may be eligible for."
Those entitled to free services include the over-60s, the disabled and those with long-term health problems.
Recently, low-income families with children under five years old also became able to receive the services.