Tackling fuel poverty in the local community

News Desk
Authored by News Desk
Posted Thursday, February 22, 2018 - 6:52am

Exeter Community Energy (ECOE) is backing national Fuel Poverty Awareness Day on Friday 23 February – as figures show that more 6,000 people in the area are struggling with their fuel bills.

The day marks the end of the Warm Homes Campaign, run by fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA), which aims to raise awareness of the problem and some of the solutions available for those struggling to heat their homes affordably.

Gill Wyatt, Executive Chair at ECOE said: “In Exeter almost 12% (around 6,000 people) are in fuel poverty according to Government statistics.

"For the Mid Devon area the figures are even higher, at almost 14% and shockingly, some districts of Exeter see fuel poverty levels as high as 33%. We’re hoping to improve the life chances of residents who are struggling with their fuel bills and ensure they can stay warm and healthy in their homes for this and future winters.”

Exeter Community Energy launched its own dedicated energy advice service last year.

Healthy Homes for Wellbeing offers a unique service where local residents can get advice on energy efficiency, with practical hints and tips on insulating their homes, help with energy supplier and tariff switching and advice on discounts and grants available. Help is provided at local energy clinics across the region as well as one to one home visits.

The ECOE Energy team of 6 Home Energy Advisers regularly attend coffee mornings and community events where participants can ask questions in an informal setting.

“We can provide training for staff and volunteers who work with vulnerable groups, and this winter we’ve been working with local health advisors too,” continues Gill.

Personalised and comprehensive home visits are a vital and much needed part of the Healthy Homes for Wellbeing project. To facilitate this ECOE has partnered with LEAP (Local Energy Advice Programme) which is run by Agility Eco and Cosy Devon.

“The eligibility requirements for LEAP are deliberately very broad to make sure that we can extend the home visit service to anyone that either is already in, or is at risk of falling into fuel poverty. It is open to all types of householders – homeowners, private renters and social housing tenants, and we’re hopeful that we’ll be able to reach and positively help more local people than ever before.“

To request help or for more details about training, talks and local clinics see www.ecoe.org.uk or email info@ecoe.org.uk

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