EXETER Community Energy and Wessex Resolutions CIC will be helping people reduce their energy bills and save money as part of Big Energy Saving Week which runs from January 20 to 26.

Local staff from both organisations will be running a drop-in event in Crediton to help people take control of their energy usage, reduce their household bills and make sure they are getting the best deal.

The event will take place from 10am until 1.30pm on Tuesday, January 21 at the Fishtank Cafe at Crediton Congregational Church.

Ahead of Big Energy Saving Week 2020, new research has revealed a significant gap in consumer understanding about managing their household energy use and the simple steps people can take to reduce their carbon footprint.

The survey, conducted by Citizens Advice and the Energy Saving Trust, shows that more than a third (36 per cent) of British households have not made changes to their energy usage at home in recent years.

That’s 9.7 million households that experts say need more help and encouragement with ways to save money and reduce their household emissions.

To support people make those changes Citizens Advice, Energy Saving Trust and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) are launching an expert-approved list of ‘20 ways to save’ during Big Energy Saving Week. The organisations are urging people to take a look and see how small changes can make a big difference.

These include four changes which together could potentially save households £100 per year and help cut carbon emissions:

• Turning your thermostat down by one degree

• Changing all your lightbulbs to LEDs

• Turning appliances off rather than keeping them on standby

• Only using the right amount of water in your kettle.

Gill Wyatt, Director at Exeter Community Energy, said: “Big Energy Saving Week next week aims to reduce energy bills and help the planet.

“Our event will have lots of information and advice on how to save energy and cut household bills. This could range from everyday actions, such as reducing how much water you put in the kettle, to bigger projects like funding to improve the energy efficiency of your home.

“Our advisors will also be able to help with all your queries about saving energy and money, including switching to a cheaper energy tariff, or accessing extra grants and benefits.”