A MAJOR drive is being launched today to help people in Dorset reduce their energy bills.

Staff and volunteers from Citizens Advice Central Dorset will be running sessions, starting today, to help people take control of their energy usage, reduce their household bills and make sure they’re getting the best deal.

It is all part of Big Energy Saving Week, a national campaign which starts today.

New research has revealed a significant gap in consumer understanding about managing their household energy use and the simple steps people can take to reduce their carbon footprint.

The survey, conducted by Citizens Advice and the Energy Saving Trust, shows that over a third (36 per cent) of British households have not made changes to their energy usage at home in recent years. That’s 9.7 million households that experts say need more help and encouragement with ways to save money and reduce their household emissions.

To support people make those changes Citizens Advice, Energy Saving Trust and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) are launching an expert-approved list of ‘20 ways to save’ this Big Energy Saving Week 2020. The organisations are urging people to take a look and see how small changes can make a big difference.

These include four simple changes which together could potentially save households £100 per year and help cut carbon emissions:

* Turning your thermostat down by one degree

* Changing your all your lightbulbs to LEDs

* Turning appliances off rather than keeping them on standby

* Only using the right amount of water in your kettle

Rachel Rogers of Citizens Advice Central Dorset said: “Big Energy Saving Week aims to put money in your pocket and help the planet. Citizens Advice has lots of information and advice on how to save energy and cut household bills. This could range from everyday actions, such as reducing how much water you put in the kettle, to bigger projects like insulating your home.

“Our advisors and volunteers will also be able to help with your queries about saving energy and money, including switching to a cheaper energy tariff or a new supplier.”

Big Energy Saving Week 2020 is a partnership between Energy Saving Trust, Citizens Advice and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). They are giving people the power to save energy and money by listing easy everyday actions the public can take to mark the week.

Citizens Advice Central Dorset will be helping people reduce their energy bills and save money as part of Big Energy Saving Week.

Free sessions for residents take place at the following locations

Today 10am-1pm, Weymouth Library Great George Street

Today 2pm-5pm, Littlemoor Health Centre, Louviers Road, Weymouth

Tomorrow 12noon-4pm, Dorchester Co-op Trinity Street, Dorchester

Wednesday 10am-4pm, Wyke Regis Health Centre and Library foyer, Portland Road, Weymouth

Thursday 10am-3pm, Tesco Portland, Park Rd, Easton, Portland

Friday 10am-3pm, Asda Weymouth, Newstead Rd, Weymouth