NEW research has revealed that 178,000 households in Wales are eligible for assistance from their energy supplier.

Those figures mean that over 14 per cent of households in Wales are entitled to relief from energy companies this year.

On a wider scale, it indicates one in seven British homes qualify for assistance.

Households that qualify include low income pensioners, disadvantaged families with children or those with a disability, or any household that lives in one of the most deprived areas in the country.

Support includes insulation and boilers, with many elderly and low income families qualifying for the £135 Warm Home Discount on energy bills.

Angela Knight, chief executive for Energy UK: “Forecasters are predicting a cold winter ahead, so it’s important that people are aware of the help that is available.

“The research speaks for itself – 14 per cent of households in Wales and 17 per cent in Cardiff are entitled to home heating help.”

“We need to look at ways to improve efficiency to keep energy bills lower. A free, confidential call to the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 can save up to £300 per home.”