Free energy packs will save 1,000 East Riding households up to £800 a year on their bills

Charity Citizens Advice Hull & East Riding – ‘the People’s Champion’ – is giving away bags packed with money-saving solutions during March

• Free bags contain useful practical solutions to save energy – and money

• Local charity’s energy experts will be on hand every week in Bridlington, Beverley and Goole for people to drop in and get help

Help is at hand for people in the East Riding of Yorkshire who are worried about the cost of living and rising energy bills.

Energy experts from local charity Citizens Advice Hull & East Riding, the People’s Champion, are giving out 1,000 bags packed with solutions which could save households up to £800 a year on their bills.

The Citizens Advice Energy Team is launching weekly drop-in sessions at the charity’s offices in Bridlington, Beverley and Goole, starting in Goole on Tuesday, March 17 (11am-2pm).

This will be followed by Bridlington (Wednesday, March 18, 11am-2pm) and Beverley (Thursday, March 19, 11am-2pm), with sessions to run on the same days every week at each location.

Practical solutions

The bags, funded by Northern Powergrid, will be packed with useful practical solutions such as window insulation, draught-proofing, a room thermometer, a water-saving device and a dehumidifier – as well as  a useful booklet featuring advice about bills, meter readings and energy-saving tips.

While the imminent reduction in the Energy Price Cap will bring some relief to households facing a choice between heating and eating, global events and rising crude oil prices are likely to drive up gas prices – meaning it could be time to lock into a fixed tariff.

Bills and tariffs can be confusing, but the Energy Team can work through a client’s situation to explain things, make sure they’re on the right tariff and not missing out on any benefits. Advisers can also help people find support if they’re in debt, and talk to suppliers on clients’ behalf to help solve any issues.

The Energy Team can also help people find new ways to save money on their bills, including solar panels, heat pumps and boiler upgrades. All advice is free and independent. People can contact local expert advisers on 0800 4480721 (9am-4pm, Monday-Friday) or request advice through an online form, and the new weekly drop-in sessions will offer the opportunity to drop in for a chat and pick up a bag full of money-saving solutions.

Drop in for a chat

Kirsty Connor, Head of Specialist Advice Services at Citizens Advice Hull & East Riding, said: “Every day our Energy Team helps clients navigate their bills, keep warm, save money and solve problems, and now we’re delighted to be opening our doors three times a week in the East Riding for people to drop in, have a chat and find out how we can help.

“Just a few small changes can lead to significant savings on your energy bills, and these bags give people the tools to do exactly that. We can also go through your unique situation to see if you’re entitled to any benefits or discounts that could relieve the strain. Pop in and see us!”