Industry is supporting Big Energy Saving Week, which runs from 27-31 January, in a bid to help consumers lower their energy bills.

The initiative aims to help consumers take practical steps to make cuts to their bills by checking they are on the best deal, switching tariff or supplier and taking up help to insulate their homes and reduce their energy usage.

Citizens Advice Bureaux will be out and about at over 200 local events and consumers can also get help and advice online at www.bigenergysavingweek.org.uk, or from their local bureaux.

The campaign is funded by the largest energy companies and is being supported by government and various charities.

A survey conducted for Big Energy Saving Week has highlighted that less than a third of those asked had spoken to their energy supplier to check they were getting the best deal, only 19% had insulated their homes and as few as one in ten had switched to a cheaper way to pay.

Householders could benefit from savings of up to £320 from energy efficiency measures, an average of £100 by paying by direct debit and those who had never switched before could save up to £200 by shopping around.

The survey also found that people are trying to cut their energy costs by turning down the heating (52%) or using less electricity (51%).

Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice said: “We know that people are finding it hard to make ends meet and struggling with the cost of basic necessities like energy and housing. This week we’re helping as many people as possible make sure they are not paying a penny more than they have to for a warm home or to keep the lights on.”

To help people take control of their bills, Citizens Advice has released ten top tips to help you check, switch and insulate:

“Big Energy Saving Week provides an excellent way to showcase just what customers can do to reduce their bills,” said Energy & Climate Change Secretary, Edward Davey.

“There are more opportunities than ever before for individual householders and communities groups alike to take control of their energy. From community energy projects to the Green Deal and renewable heating schemes, I want to make sure people are aware of how they can make their homes warmer and reduce their energy use.