Brent Central MP Dawn Butler will be running an advice session in Willesden this week to encourage residents to save energy and money by switching energy providers.

Ms Butler will give residents advice and information on how switching tariffs can cut their energy bills by up to £250 and improve energy efficiency in their homes at a surgery at Willesden Green Library in Willesden High Road, this Friday.

The session has been organised by the Labour politician as residents in Brent brace for rising energy bills as part of preparations for “the longest winter in 50 years”.

The event, which runs from 9am to 5pm as part of the “Big Energy Saving Week” project which will spark events across the UK backed by Citizens Advice and the Energy Saving Trust.

Ms Butler said: “Many Brent residents are still using the same provider or tariff set following the energy market privatisation and do not realise they could save up to a possible £250 a year if they switched.

“Even the 26 per cent of Brent residents on rip-off pre-payment meters can find cheaper tariffs.”

“During the cold winter months ahead those savings will make a real difference as many households feel the pinch, not just because of their own personal finances, but also from those budget and tax credit cuts.”

This is the first event organised by Ms Butler’s new “Green Cabinet” initiative, set up to tackle energy-related issues in Brent.

Jacky Peacock from Advice4Renters, an organisation that helps private tenants, said: “This event isn’t just an exhibition, it is aimed at actually saving people money, plus people on benefits may not know they could be entitled to grants for insulation or even central heating.

“Over 60s often do not use a computer so we recommend everyone to bring along a copy of their energy bills.

“Armed with the full information we can help residents come to an informed decision and also assist in switching tariff or provider on the day if they wish to do so.”

For more information on the Big Energy Savings visit www.bigenergysavingweek.org.uk.