After meeting with British Gas representatives, Stockton North MP, Alex Cunningham, is encouraging residents to make sure their homes are winter-ready – and safe.
As part of the ‘Keep a Step Ahead of Winter’ campaign, Alex heard that nearly a third of households have not checked their central heating, and four out ten have not had their boiler serviced – a crucial inspection that can highlight any problems, including whether it the boiler is leaking deadly carbon monoxide. Alex was also told that, while smart meters can help households keep their energy in check, just over a third have them installed.
Alex said:
It’s really important to keep a step ahead of winter, and it’s important that everyone in Stockton North knows what help is available to them. Energy efficiency and keeping bills under control – especially during the colder months – is really important, and I’d encourage people to get in touch with their energy supplier to find out what support they have on offer.
After 13 years in the gas industry and knowing how dangerous carbon monoxide is – it can kill – I’d encourage people to have their gas boilers and fires serviced. Landlords must by law carry out the checks and tenants should also make sure it’s done.
British Gas offer a number of practical steps to get households winter-ready, including:
- The British Gas Energy Trust – offering advice and grants of up to £600 to help clear energy and household debts, www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk
- Energy saving tips are provided via: https://www.britishgas.co.uk/energy.html
