Older people urged to find cheap energy this winter - 04/10/2010
Older people must have access to cheap energy in order to keep themselves and their homes warm this winter, the chief medical officer for Wales has stated.
Dr Tony Jewell commented that the elderly and those with long-term health problems are most at risk of death during the cold months and urged vulnerable people to protect themselves with government grants that give them access to cheap energy.
"People should also make the most of the grants and schemes available to them to keep their homes warm during the winter," he pointed out, highlighting the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme, which gives certain homeowners money towards energy efficiency improvements around the house.
He also explained that the Energy Saving Trust and Care and Repair Cymru could help those in need of cheap energy this winter.
Dr Jewell's report, due to be released this week, will show that around 2,500 more people died in the winter of 2008-09 than in the previous year, of which a third (34 per cent) were caused by respiratory problems that had been exacerbated by the cold weather.
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