With many elderly people fearing large fuel bills it is hardly surprising that many are failing to hear their homes adequately putting their health at risk.
Many older people with lower incomes and the greatest need for warm homes pay more for their energy as they have a reluctance to switch that other consumers may not. Many elderly people are still not using the internet and are unaware they could be saving hundreds of pounds a year.
We can all help our elderly family members and friends save money on fuel bills and help keen them warm. I am giving away free room thermometers on behalf of Age UK which show if a room is too cold.
Fear of change is often a big factor with the elderly yet even those reluctant to switch can still often cut bills just by switching tariffs with their existing firm. However if the cheapest is another firm, then it’s the same gas, the same electricity, the same pipes and the same safety. The only real change is the price, and who the provider is.
For the most accurate comparison, you should have their bills in front of you, so you’ve got exact usage figures. But it can be done with out them, based on estimates of house size.
Switching can also be done by phone and the companies below offer a cashback reward for simply mentioning Money Saving Expert.
Energyhelpline pays £15 per switch, whether separate gas & electricity or dual fuel.
Call: 0800 074 0745 (mention MSE to get cashback).
For a dual fuel switch, which means getting gas and electricity from the same provider, you can get bigger freebies (one per household).
Don’t assume dual fuel is always cheapest. Check whether getting separate gas & electricity can undercut it.
MoneySupermarket pays £30 cash back for a dual fuel switch.
Call: 0800 177 7861 (mention MSE to get cashback).
uSwitch
Call: 0800 404 7895
UK Power pays £30 cash back for a dual fuel switch.
