David Burrowes MP urges Enfield residents to “Save cash and go green for free”

Local MP David Burrowes is urging residents today to save money from their household gas and electric bills and reduce their carbon emissions by taking up the energy efficiency measures that energy companies in the UK offer.

Following an agreement with the government in September 2008, the major energy suppliers are committed to improving the energy efficiency levels of much of the UK’s housing stock to the tune of £3bn. Through this scheme, many vulnerable people have access to free energy efficiency measures but are not taking them up. With £1 in every £4 spent on heating an un-insulated home being wasted, taking up offers of free home insulation can save you cash and help tackle climate change.

British Gas, for example, offer free insulation to anyone over the age of 70 or on income or disability-related benefits. The other major energy companies have similar offers.

The UK has one of the worst records in the EU for the energy efficiency levels of its housing. The Carbon Emersions Reduction Target (CERT) programme is focused on raising the level of energy efficiency in its housing stock.

David says:

“The best way for people to cut their energy bills is to use less energy. The best way to do that while staying warm and keeping the lights on is to make our homes more energy efficient. The energy companies are committed to insulating cavity walls for their vulnerable customers for free. People should take advantage of this and during these financially difficult times save money and help save the environment.”

Phil Bentley, Managing Director of British Gas says:

“Our commitment to insulating people’s homes in the UK has an estimated value of £1bn. So far people have been taking this up, but more can be done. Our customers just need to contact us and we can see what can be done.”