British Gas price rises will stretch household budgets even further

Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said: "Many British Gas customers will find the price rise really frightening. Bill increases throw already stretched budgets into turmoil with people forced to find more ways to scrimp and save. But there are things that people can do to save money on their fuel bills.

"Through Big Energy Saving Week, 22-27 October, we’ll be helping people get a better deal on their fuel, explaining how they could cut down on the amount of energy they use and keep the heat in by insulating their home. Plus we urge people to check that they are getting all of the financial help available to them."

For more information on Big Energy Saving Week and how to cut your fuel bills visit www.bigenergysavingweek.org.uk or go to your local CAB.

Big Energy Saving Week is funded by the largest six energy companies, and involves Energy Saving Trust, Age UK, ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England), Consumer Focus, the Government, Ofgem, Energy UK and National Energy Action.

Notes to editors:

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website .

  2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.

  3. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk . You can also get advice online at adviceguide.org.uk

  4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers

  5. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.3 million clients on 5.4 million problems from October 2013 to September 2014. For full 2013/2014  service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends

  6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.