10 December 2008
Elderly households and families on low incomes are being urged to call a free energy helpline for advice on paying their gas and electricity bills this winter.
The Home Heat Helpline is being run by the Energy Retail Association and will give callers information about the energy efficiency measures they can take.
It will also provide them with details of grants for free home insulation, flexible payment options and other services for which they may qualify.
A campaign has been launched to promote the helpline and it is being backed by paralympian Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson and British actor Richard Wilson.
Dame Tanni told the Press Association: "As the days get colder and shorter, it's important people know where to get the advice they need to keep warm this winter."
According to figures from uSwitch.com, around 5.4 million UK households are now living in fuel poverty following two increases in gas and electricity prices this year.
Households could cut their energy bills substantially by switching to a different supplier.