New research has revealed a significant gap in consumer understanding about managing household energy use and the simple steps people can take to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.

To support people to make those changes Citizens Advice, Energy Saving Trust and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) are launching an expert-approved list of 20 ways to save energy. Just search for “Citizens Advice 20 ways to save energy”. The organisations are urging people to take a look and see how small changes can make a big difference.

These include four changes which together could potentially save households £100 per year and help cut carbon emissions:

• Turning your thermostat down by one degree
• Changing your lightbulbs to LEDs
• Turning appliances off rather than keeping them on standby
• Only using the amount of water you need in your kettle

You can also use our energy price comparison tool, which is free, uses a full market comparison, is totally independent and gives a customer service rating for the major energy companies. Go to energycompare.citizensadvice.org.uk.

Our advisors and volunteers will also be able to help with your all your queries about saving energy and money, including switching to a cheaper energy tariff, or accessing extra grants and benefits.

Citizens Advice Maidenhead and Windsor offer free, confidential, independent and impartial advice on a large range of issues. Please contact us on 03444 111 444 or by email form https://maidenheadcab.org.uk/get-advice/forms/ if you need help.