CITIZENS Advice East Hampshire is helping people in Bordon get ready for winter by giving them advice on how to get the best value for money with their fuel bills.

Big Energy Saving Week, which runs from Monday, October 31, to Sunday, November 6, is a national campaign run by Citizens Advice, Energy Saving Trust (EST) and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

The campaign aims to help people to cut their energy costs by following a three-step rule – check, switch and save.

People are encouraged to check their current tariff and compare it with other suppliers, before switching to a cheaper deal if available. They are also given tips on making sure they are saving energy in their home.

Citizens Advice East Hampshire, Bordon, can help people identify how to save money on fuel bills all week at Forest Hill Community Centre, Pine Hill Road, Bordon, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday between 9.30 and 2pm.

Using Citizens Advice’s online energy price comparison tool, advisers can show people how to check they’re on the best tariff for their needs or if there’s a cheaper deal with a different supplier.

People can learn about making their home more energy efficient, for example by getting cavity wall insulation, draught excluders or double glazing. Advisers will be suggesting how to avoid using extra energy by not leaving the TV on standby or leaving lights on.

Advisers can also check whether energy customers are eligible for a discount from their supplier, for example if they are claiming certain benefits.

Those who can’t visit the office can still follow Big Energy Saving Week’s three-step rule of check, switch, save at home. They can use Citizens Advice’s online price comparison tool to work out if they can find a cheaper energy deal elsewhere, or contact Citizens Advice for help.

Citizens Advice East Hampshire chief executive Jon Stuart said: “Checking your energy tariff and switching to a cheaper deal is one of the quickest and easiest ways to cut your bills.

“Big Energy Saving Week is a great opportunity to get expert advice on how you can make savings before winter starts, from changing energy supplier to insulating your home.

“We would urge everyone to come down to the event, use our price comparison tool or contact our service for advice so they can start making savings.”

Minister for Consumers Margot James said: “Millions of people have already switched and saved this year, but we know that some people can find it difficult to find the best deal. Big Energy Saving Week will help people up and down the country find out how they could save on their energy bills, many could save around £300, as we create a country that works for everyone.”

A national dedicated website is available to advise people about energy saving at: www.bigenergysavingweek.org.uk