Citizens Advice Ashfield is helping local people get ready for winter by hosting two events on how to get the best value for money from their gas and electricity.

The event is part of Big Energy Saving Week (31 October – 6 November), a national campaign run by Citizens Advice, Energy Saving Trust (EST) and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

The campaign aims to help people to cut their energy costs by following a three-step rule – check, switch and save.

People are encouraged to check their current tariff and compare it with other suppliers, before switching to a cheaper deal if available. They are also given tips on making sure they’re saving energy in their home.

Citizens Advice Ashfield is hosting two free energy saving events. Its Mobile Information Unit will be at the Nabb Inn, Hucknall, on Thursday, 3rd November, from 10am-2pm and on Friday, 4th November it will be at Low Street in the centre of Sutton, from 9.30am to 2pm.

The service will also be offering the service throughout the week at its offices, which are open between 9.30am and 2pm in the Ashfield Health and Wellbeing Centre, Kirkby.

Using Citizens Advice’s online energy price comparison tool, advisers can show people how to check they are on the best tariff for their needs or if there’s a cheaper deal with a different supplier.

People can learn about making their home more energy efficient, for example by getting cavity wall insulation, draught excluders or double glazing. Advisers will be suggesting how to avoid using extra energy by not leaving the TV on standby or leaving lights on.

Advisers can also check whether energy customers are eligible for a discount from their supplier, for example if they are claiming certain benefits.

Those who can’t make the event can still follow Big Energy Saving Week’s three-step rule of check, switch, save at home. They can use Citizens Advice’s online price comparison tool to work out if they can find a cheaper energy deal elsewhere, or contact Citizens Advice for help.

Kathryn Stacey, CEO of Citizens Advice Ashfield, said: “Checking your energy tariff and switching to a cheaper deal is one of the quickest and easiest ways to cut your bills.

“Big Energy Saving Week is a great opportunity to get expert advice on how you can make savings before winter starts, from changing energy supplier to insulating your home.

“We would urge everyone to come down to the event, use our price comparison tool or contact our service for advice so they can start to make savings.”