FREE IMPARTIAL HOME ENERGY IMPROVEMENT ADVICE FOR NORTH EAST HOUSEHOLDS TO HELP CUT ENERGY BILLS
People across the North East can benefit from a free service offering advice on reducing energy bills.
Home Energy Advice North East provides free, expert guidance to help residents identify energy-saving improvements for their homes, apply for grants and connect with local installers; a one-stop shop for people wanting to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
Home Energy Advice North East is a £2 million programme funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the North East and Yorkshire Net Zero Hub. It is delivered by the Energy Saving Trust on behalf of the North East Combined Authority.
As part of this programme, localcommunity and environmental charities, Groundwork NE & Cumbria and Community Action Northumberland are offering free home visits from their team of energy advisors. During the free-of-charge visits, lasting between one to two hours, the impartial experts will offer practical advice on reducing energy bills as well as home energy improvement advice tailored to each property.
Groundwork NE & Cumbria is redoubling its efforts, aiming to visit 360 households by December and organising energy advice events across the region before winter sets in.
As well as identifying quick energy-saving wins, such as adjusting boiler temperature and checking the user’s energy tariffs, the visits also identify larger-scale home improvements such as wall and loft insulation, solar panels and new heating options to significantly reduce energy costs.
Following the assessments, the energy advisors discuss their findings with the householder, providing indicative costs of the work needed and calculations on the savings that would be made in fuel bills and energy and carbon.
The advisors also provide help, advice and guidance on grant funding and whether residents are eligible. If people qualify for financial assistance, the team can assist with the grant application process, and provide links to local installers and support households while the work takes place.
Rebekah Vickers, Greener Living Coordinator at Groundwork NE & Cumbria said: “We urge people to call us for a free home visit. We want to help as many people as possible avoid fuel poverty this winter and tackle the longer-term issue of poor energy efficiency in the North East housing stock. The energy advice we offer will reduce the risk of people having to choose between heating or eating this winter and could deliver long-term energy and cost savings.”
Dame Norma Redfearn DBE, portfolio holder for housing and land at the North East Combined Authority and Elected Mayor of North Tyneside said: “People in this region have been hard hit by rising energy costs and the cost of living crisis, and we are committed to doing everything we can to help. This programme is a fantastic way of taking help directly into people’s homes, helping them save money on energy bills and making homes more energy efficient which will also support the North East’s efforts to tackle climate change.
“We want to encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of this support and find out how to cut costs and make their homes warmer this winter.”
People in Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside can also benefit from over-the-phone advice to support residents in making energy-saving home improvements like insulation or updating their heating system. Advisors can also provide support with accessing funding, and links to local installers, making it easier for people to take action. To speak to an advisor call 0808 175 9345.
To request your free home visit or to find out more, visit: www.energyadvicenortheast.co.uk/in-home-support/