We provide an in-house energy advice service to tenants funded via the Energy Redress Scheme.
We have access to two Energy Advisors who work from the office three days a week, conducting appointments with tenants to help them with their energy. Below is a range of ways our Energy Advisors can assist.
Our Energy Advisors can offer:
Advice on practical steps to lower energy consumption. This includes behavioural changes that people can make that can lead to a drop in bills. Things such as lowering their thermostat by a couple of degrees, setting the timer on their boiler. Taking shorter showers. Making the most of fridge/freezer space. More energy efficient ways to cook. Things that can be done at little to no cost.
Tips for creating a more energy-efficient home. This includes things such as draft proofing. LED light bulbs. Advice around condensation. Tips around radiator reflective panels or putting shelves above the radiator to push the heat out into the room. Using electric blankets. Not heating the whole house.
If you are struggling to pay for your gas or electricity, our Energy Advisors can offer:
Guidance on managing existing fuel debt. We can help set up payment plans towards existing debt and work out an affordable amount that a person can pay on top of their usage. We can also look at applying for fuel direct if people are in debt and on benefits, this way the money comes straight off their benefits before going into their account which some people find useful.
Information about available support options to help with fuel debt. Some energy companies have grants we can apply for and will need an income and expenditure form completed. We can assist with the application and do the income and expenditure. For all the grants customers must be in debt. For most a debt of more than £250 and less than £2000 but this is not the case for all. We can see what is available and support with all stages of the application.
If you’re unsure what charges mean on your energy bill, or if you think you may have a problem with your meter, our Energy Advisors may be able to help. They can: