Stats show continued West Country concern over energy bills
An event is planned in Bristol today offering people advice and support
A West Country energy expert says he expects our bills to remain high for the foreseeable future, ahead of an event in Bristol offering people advice and support on keeping warm this winter.
This afternoon (21st January) Lockleaze Community Hub will host a gathering as part of Warm Welcome Week, highlighting warm spaces across the UK where people struggling to heat their own homes, can go to keep warm.
It comes as new research suggests 51 per cent of us are more concerned about our bills this year than we were in 2024, while 70 per cent say they no longer or rarely feel isolated after visiting a Warm Welcome Space.
The event in Lockleaze is one of many across the country at which products will be given away to help people, including heated electric blankets, smart plugs, and LED energy-efficient light bulbs.
Steven Donovan from Ovo Energy said: "There's nearly six million customers that are still in fuel poverty and we know that energy prices aren't going to make that any easier for customers...
"Listening to people at the community events that we've been running over the last couple of months we know that the challenges are getting tougher for some people."
Also attending the events in Lockleaze and elsewhere will be advisors from charities like Step Change and Citizens Advice offering financial guidance and support.
"There's nothing in the foreseeable future that makes us think that energy prices are going to significantly reduce," Steven said.
"With six million people already in fuel poverty that means for us that we're certainly not going to be taking our foot off the gas any time soon."
Across the UK it's thought 120,000 people visit a Warm Welcome Space every week.
The event at Lockleaze Community Hub is planned from 1pm-4pm.