TV energy efficiency campaign launched to help people cut bills

A major television advertising campaign to encourage energy efficiency has been launched today as a surge in the number of advice line calls suggests that large numbers of people are keen to take up a Government scheme to help them cut their heating bills.

The television adverts, which will screen from tonight, follow the announcement by the Government last week of a £1 billion package offering assistance to householders to make their homes more energy efficient.

The adverts made by top British film director Shane Meadows focus on the efforts of a dad to get his family to cut down on their energy use, cutting their bills and their CO2 emissions as a result.

Statistics from the Energy Saving Trust's ACT ON CO2 advice line show that since Thursday's announcement phone calls have more than quadrupled, with people seeking information on how to take up the offers.

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said: "Last week we set out assistance to help people cut their energy bills permanently. We now need to do all we can to ensure they take up this help. This advert is part of that drive.

"I am encouraged that following last week's announcement, people are looking to take action to cut their fuel bills and save energy at the same time. We now need to build on that enthusiasm."

Around £560 million of the £1 billion adds to the existing energy efficiency programme CERT (Carbon Emissions Reduction Target), which funds subsidised improvements such as loft and cavity wall insulation. Homes with one or more members over the age of 70 and eligible low income households qualify, subject to survey, for these measures at no cost.