The MP for Romsey and Southampton North is urging residents to check if they are entitled to extra help with energy costs.

Caroline Nokes MP met with British Gas and the British Gas Energy Trust to discuss the support available to households.

The supplier has committed £140m to help consumers and continue to provide the biggest support package ever offered to UK energy customers by a supplier.

The British Gas Energy Support Fund provides grants of up to £1,700 to thousands of its customers with debt.

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Caroline Nokes at the British Gas Energy Trust winter drop-in event in Parliament (Image: Caroline Nokes) The British Gas Energy Trust also delivers millions in grants, energy efficiency measures, fuel vouchers and advice to all energy consumers.

You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to seek support from the British Gas Energy Trust.

Ms Nokes said: "While energy costs are lower than last winter, many households are still struggling with the cost of living.

"I urge people to find out more about the support available to help them and for anyone struggling, to speak to their energy supplier and organisations such as the British Gas Energy Trust."

British Gas engineers also shared their top tips for improving energy efficiency and saving costs around the house.

They said: "As engineers visiting customer homes, we know households are facing tough times.

"There is help available and people should contact their energy supplier to make sure they’re receiving support – whether that is being added to the Priority Services Register or accessing grants, like those available through the British Gas Energy Trust."

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Their top tips include bleeding radiators to remove air bubbles, regularly servicing boilers and draught-proofing windows and doors.

They also suggest turning off radiators in unused rooms, insulating pipes to prevent freezing and using tinfoil behind radiators to reflect heat back into rooms.

They recommend setting the thermostat between 18°C and 21°C, and using a timer to turn it on and off when needed.

They also advise making the most of smart tech like thermostats to control heating on the go and avoid wasting money on unused energy.

Households are encouraged to find out if they’re eligible for extra assistance with energy bills, especially before the cold weather sets in.

Face-to-face advice, financial support, and grants up to £1,700 are available from the British Gas Energy Trust, even for non-British Gas customers.