WHAT STEPS HOMEOWNERS CAN TAKE TO HELP OFFSET THE CURRENT ROUND OF HUGE ENERGY PRICE RISES
Blane Judd, Chief Executive of the HVCA, which runs the Heating Helpline consumer advice service, says there are steps that homeowners can take now to help offset the current massive price increases imposed on them by the Big 6 utility companies.
4 August 2011 – Now that three of the ‘Big 6’ energy companies have raised their prices by an inflation-busting hike of almost 20% for gas and around 10% for electricity, it’s only a matter of time before the other three follow suit. These six companies, British Gas, Scottish & Southern Electricity, npower, E.ON, EDF and Scottish Power, between them control around 95% of the energy supplies to homes in the UK, so whilst the Government has said consumers “shouldn’t take these increases lying down” and should shop around for better deals – “shop where?” will be the response from most homeowners, faced with nearly £200 extra to pay on “dual fuel” household bills.
Cutting down on consumption has now become an imperative if families are not to face real financial hardship this coming winter. The Heating Helpline advice service, managed and operated by the Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association (HVCA), urges home owners to make contact with their local HVCA heating engineer.
Blane Judd, Chief Executive of the HVCA, comments, “Faced with these colossal increases homeowners really must take steps to reduce energy consumption in the home to try to offset them.
There are many things that can be done, including installing more energy efficient equipment. For homes with an older boiler for example, a replacement upgrade should be high on the list of priorities – today’s boilers are about 25% more efficient than they were in the 1980s and a modern condensing boiler converts up to 100% of the fuel it uses into useful heat. This could mean savings of around £250 a year.
“The first step is to call in your local HVCA heating engineer for advice – as they are completely independent – not allied or employed by the very companies that are applying these big increases. HVCA heating engineers can offer expert, impartial advice on energy saving in the home including renewables.
“All our members who undertake domestic gas work are Gas Safe registered and they are also all members of TrustMark, the government-backed scheme that makes it easy for consumers to find reliable, reputable trades people”.
The Heating Helpline website http://www.heatinghelpline.org.uk also has a comprehensive section on how to save money on energy – with many of the steps that can be taken costing little or nothing. It also has a search facility to find your local HVCA engineer or you can call the Heating Helpline on 0800 840 4069.
Ends
Issued on behalf of the HVCA by Next Step Marketing Ltd
Media enquiries to: Heather Lambert
Tel: 44(0)1256 472020
Fax: 44(0)1256 471010
E-mail: heather@nextstepmarketing.co.uk
Notes to Editors
Established in 1904, the HVCA is the premier organisation representing central heating contractors across the UK, and exists to promote fair dealing and the sound installation of heating systems. HVCA members all undergo third-party inspection and assessment of their technical competence and commercial capability every three years. This process is carried out by an independent certification body with an established industry reputation. HVCA members who undertake gas installations are registered with Gas Safe – the gas safety watchdog body – and are also members of TrustMark, the Government-endorsed scheme designed to direct customers towards reliable tradespeople. HVCA operates the Heating Helpline (http://www.heatinghelpline.org.uk) to provide consumers with free, impartial advice on every aspect of home heating.
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