RESIDENTS in Birkby have attended a meeting to look at ways of cutting their energy bills this winter.

West Yorkshire Trading Standards hosted the Energy Best Deal meeting at Birkby Primary School, supported by Citizens Advice and Ofgem.

Energy Best Deal helps people seek out the cheapest deal, get to grips with the different tariffs and payment methods and explain what they can do if they’re in debt with their fuel company.

The sessions also provide tips on how to use less energy and how to make your home more energy efficient.

Research shows 75% of low earners who went to an Energy Best Deal session in 2011/12 said they would take action to cut their gas and electricity bills following the advice they had received.

Graham Hebblethwaite, chief officer of West Yorkshire Trading Standards said: “We are worried that thousands of people are throwing money down the drain by paying more than they should.

“Energy Best Deal clears up the confusion around fuel bills and tariffs, giving people the know-how and confidence to get a cheaper deal.

Sarah Harrison, senior partner for sustainable development from Ofgem said: “Ofgem is committed to protecting consumers and we are working closely with Citizens Advice on Energy Best Deal.

“With the winter here, now is a good time to start thinking about whether you are on the right energy deal. Switching is one of the easiest ways to save money but consumers tell us they find the energy market complicated and confusing.

“Energy Best Deal helps navigate the market and Ofgem’s Retail Market Review proposes changes that will help make the energy industry simpler and fairer for consumers.”

Energy Best Deal is receiving £400,000 worth of funding nationally for 2012/13 from EDF Energy, E.on, ScottishPower and SSE (formerly Scottish and Southern Energy).

For further information about the project see the website www.citizensadvice.org.uk/.../fsfl_projects_energybestdeal.htm