Gas and electricity suppliers have already raised energy prices in the last few months and they are warning that fuel prices will rise further in the future. This is of obvious concern to many people, so what can Kent residents do to reduce the impact of these price increase?

One way is to get energy efficiency measures fitted into your property.

As a result of support by the government, prices for loft and cavity wall insulation and other energy efficiency measures have never been so low. The recently introduced new deals offer improved discounts of up to 70% for everybody, and 100% grants for those on qualifying benefits.

This means that the cost of cavity wall insulation on a typical 3 bedroom semi-detached is £125 and the cost of loft insulation is £100.

The discounts and grants are available as a result of funding by utility companies and central and local Government. All 13 Kent local authorities support a scheme called Kent Action to Save Heat (KASH). The scheme is run by the Kent Energy Centre to help make homes warmer and more comfortable to live in.

Mike Bundy from the Kent Energy Centre said 'Not only will installing insulation measures mean that Kent residents will be saving money but of course they will also find that the home is warmer and more comfortable to live in.'

Mike Bundy added 'Approved contractors are used to complete all the work and the measures installed carry a guarantee.'

For further information and advice on how to save energy and save money call the Kent Energy Centre free on 0800 358 6669, or log on to http://www.kentenergycentre.org.uk/