4,000 households fail to realise they are entitled to help with energy bills (From Harrow Times)

4,000 Harrow households fail to realise they are entitled to help with energy bills

11:30am Friday 15th February 2013 in News By Emma Innes

Nearly 4,000 households in Harrow could be missing out on assistance with their energy bills.

New research by the Home Heat Helpline shows that about 7,600 households in the borough are entitled to assistance but that only about half of those realise that they qualify.

The Home Heat Helpline is a free, confidential service that connects people on low incomes with support worth around £160 on average.

Assistance available includes grants for insulation, new boilers, discounts and rebate schemes.

Christine McGourty from the Home Heat Helpline said: “We know that lots of people are looking for ways to reduce their energy bills, and that’s why we want to make sure that everyone gets the help they’re entitled to.

“Energy companies have committed to spending around £250 million to help people struggling to pay their fuel bills.

“But this new survey shows that many simply don’t realise the help is there, so we’re urging consumers to call the Home Heat Helpline so they’re not missing out on the free support that’s available.”

The helpline can be reached on 0800 33 66 99.