FAMILIES struggling with increasing energy bills can get advice and tips to help them save money.

Community Council for Somerset (CCS) will be out and about this week as part of Big Energy Saving Week, a national campaign run by the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and supported by ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England), charities, the Government and the energy industry.

It aims to help consumers check they are on the best deal, switch tariff or supplier and take up help to insulate their homes and reduce their energy usage.

By taking action to check, switch and insulate, consumers could save: o £325 from insulation and other energy saving measures o £100 by direct debit rather than cash or cheque o Up to £200 saving for switching tariff or supplier if you have never switched before.

Katherine Armstrong, CCS chief executive, said: “During Big Energy Saving Week, we’ll be helping communities explore the ways they can save money on their fuel bills.

“Evidence shows rural families are twice as likely as their urban counterparts to struggle to heat their homes; due to lower than average incomes and houses that are less energy efficient.

“Lack of access to cheaper fuel supplies is also a problem.

“36% of homes in rural areas are off the gas grid so many households have to rely on fuels such as oil, electric heating, LPG or coal.”

Consumers can get help and advice online from the website at www.bigenergysavingweek.org.uk and see a full list of events at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/besw_events.htm