It’s not everyday your local MP pops in for tea, but that’s exactly what happened to local resident Michael Digby.
The MP’s visit is part of the Warm Homes Campaign, the annual winter campaign organised by energy efficiency charity National Energy Action (NEA) in association with energy supplier Powergen, part of E.ON UK. The campaign aims to cut the number of excess winter deaths and reduce cold-related illnesses by raising awareness of the help available to people who struggle to afford to heat their homes in winter.
Peter Ainsworth is one of 45 MPs, Members of the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly Members around the country supporting the Warm Homes Campaign by visiting constituents to learn at first hand how energy efficiency measures can provide affordable warmth and spell the end of cold, damp homes.
Michael Digby is having cavity wall insulation installed while Mr Ainsworth visits. It has been arranged by Powergen after he contacted their CaringEnergy team for energy efficiency advice. He is also currently on Powergen's StayWarm tariff.
Once installed the whole house will be much warmer and a more comfortable place to be and Mr Digby’s fuel bills should benefit too.
Peter Ainsworth, MP for East Surrey, said: “I am very pleased to be supporting the Warm Homes Campaign, and I congratulate the organisers on their efforts to draw attention to this important issue. Fuel poverty has serious consequences, especially for vulnerable people, and so it is vital to help people make their homes more energy efficient. A more energy efficient house is good news for your fuel bill and good news for cutting carbon emissions. No one should have to spend the winter without affordable heat for their home. I want to see an end to fuel poverty in East Surrey and across the rest of the UK.”
One in six UK households are unable to afford to heat their homes to adequate levels. Cold homes affect people’s health and well-being and are linked to cardiovascular illnesses such as heart disease and strokes, and respiratory illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis. The elderly, families with young children, people with disabilities and others on low incomes are especially at risk from the dangers of cold homes.
There were 60 excess winter deaths linked to cold homes last year in East Surrey. This year, higher fuel prices could push the figure much higher.
William Gillis, NEA Chief Executive, said: “For millions winter brings poor health, isolation, debt and worry. We believe that this is unacceptable. During the Warm Homes Campaign we will be calling on the Government to provide greater resources to tackle fuel poverty and protect householders from rapidly rising energy prices.
“Anyone who is worried about their winter fuel bill should call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 336699 for information and advice on keeping warm in winter. Or for information about grants to help keep your home warm, call 0800 3166011 and quote MK550.”
Powergen’s Garry Worthington, Social & Environmental Affairs Manager said: “Powergen is committed to helping people achieve affordable warmth in their homes. Earlier this year we launched the £100m CaringEnergy scheme to provide vulnerable customers with free energy efficiency measures and advice, as well as, advice on payments, tariffs and income maximisation.
“We’re delighted to be supporting Warm Homes campaign for the second year to raise awareness of the help we can give in improving the comfort of homes and in reducing energy bills through better energy efficiency.”
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