MP Terry Jermy’s team helped one resident claim nearly £3,000 in energy support
An MP has urged people to check if they are missing out on support with their bills after helping one resident become £3,000 better off.
Terry Jermy, the Labour MP for South West Norfolk, wants residents to look into whether they can access additional support with household energy costs and to take practical steps to conserve heat.
Last Tuesday, he met in Parliament with representatives from British Gas and the British Gas Energy Trust to discuss the help available to households.
The supplier has committed £140million to help consumers, while the British Gas Energy Support Fund provides grants of up to £1,700 to thousands of its customers with debt.
In addition, the latter delivers millions in grants, energy efficiency measures, fuel vouchers and advice.
Mr Jermy has encouraged residents to make contact with his team if they require additional help.
He said: “It is always worth finding out if you’re eligible for extra assistance with your energy bills, especially before the cold weather sets in. Similarly, it is worth checking to see if there are any benefits or Government support you may have been missing out on.
“My team and I have already helped dozens of residents to access support over the past two months. A number have been surprised to discover they are entitled to one or more benefits with one recent case seeing a resident better off by £3,000 a year.”
Mr Jermy met with a British Gas engineer named Sam in Parliament, who said: “As an engineer visiting customer homes, we know households are facing tough times.
“There is help available and people should contact their energy supplier to make sure they’re receiving support – whether that is being added to the Priority Services Register or accessing grants, like those available through the British Gas Energy Trust.”
Mr Jermy’s team has offered some advice to people ahead of the winter months, including:
• Bleed your radiators as air can enter the system and form bubbles, which stops them from working as efficiently
• Take care of your boiler and have it serviced regularly
• Do not spend money heating spare rooms when you are not going to use them frequently
• Have your pipes insulated so they do not become frozen, causing them to crack or burst
Mr Jermy added: “While energy costs are lower than last winter, I am very conscious many households are still struggling with the cost of living.
“I want to make sure people know the support available to help them and I encourage anyone who is struggling to speak to their energy supplier, organisations such as the British Gas Energy Trust or indeed contact my constituency team who are on hand to assist.”