Justin Tomlinson MP at a British Gas insulation event in Parliament
Justin Tomlinson, Member of Parliament for North Swindon, is calling on local residents to take advantage of a free energy efficiency offer, help a friend or a relative, and pocket £50 for their efforts.
People will be given £50 for every person on qualifying benefits they refer to British Gas for free insulation. The money will be paid once the installation has been completed and there is no limit on the number of people they can refer.
As well as getting free insulation which will save them hundreds of pounds on their energy bills each year, the referred customer will also be paid £50 once the installation has been completed. Both the referrer and the customer receiving the insulation do not need to buy their gas or electricity from British Gas to qualify for the deal.
Loft insulation can save households up to £175 from their heating bills and cavity wall insulation can save up to £135. According to DECC, nearly half of Britain’s homes do not have adequate basic insulation. Only 57% of Britain’s lofts have been properly insulated and only 58% of cavity walls have been filled.
The deal builds on British Gas’s other current free offers on insulation. Currently all British Gas energy and services customers are also eligible for free insulation.
Justin Tomlinson MP, Member of Parliament for North Swindon, said: “We have a great community in Swindon and we can all do our bit to make sure that our friends and family are getting all the help they can in these difficult times. If you have a an elderly relative or someone you think that might benefit from this offer, then get them to call British Gas on 0800 975 1195 and you could both be £50 better off and save money on your energy bills to boot.”
Calls must be made by the customer who is having the insulation installed and they should give the details of the person who referred them.
Jon Kimber, Managing Director of British Gas New Energy, said: “With household budgets stretched we know that people are looking at ways to save money. £1 in every £4 spent on heating is wasted due to poor insulation so energy efficiency can have a massive impact.
“We want to get people looking out for others who need help. That’s why we’re offering £50 to anyone who refers vulnerable family, friends or neighbours to us for free insulation. We’ll also pay the vulnerable customer £50 for having the free insulation installed”.
Jenny Saunders, Chief Executive of National Energy Action, said: "I applaud this offer from British Gas which aims to deliver energy saving measures to the poorest households and at the same time reward those who are identifying and helping more vulnerable members of our communities."