In an exciting development, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has unveiled a game-changing initiative that promises to offer bespoke energy advice to boost efficiency and cut bills for domestic homes. This transformative programme entails offering personalised, face-to-face advice on how to enhance home energy efficiency and achieve significant savings on energy bills.
A Far-Reaching Project
With an investment of £20 million from the government, a total of 36 pilot services are set to introduce innovative ways of delivering expert guidance to those who need it most. 125,000 households across England are poised to reap the rewards of this initiative, especially for those residing in hard-to-treat homes and individuals who are traditionally harder to reach, such as the elderly and those without internet access.
How Will The Bespoke Energy Advice Be Made Available?
Energy Cafes
The plan encompasses a spectrum of ground-breaking approaches to engage with diverse communities. In Birmingham, vibrant energy cafes will pop up across the city, where residents can engage in friendly conversations to learn about enhancing the efficiency of their homes.
Green Doctor Service
Meanwhile, the introduction of a ‘green doctor‘ service, backed by £302,000, will offer invaluable ‘home check-ups’ to older and low-income households in North Yorkshire and Cumbria, guiding them on implementing effective energy efficiency measures. Anticipated to assist over 19,000 households, the recommendations will range from insulation enhancements to optimised heating controls and innovative heat pump installations.
Retrofit Bus
The array of projects doesn’t stop here. For instance, an electrifying concept takes shape with a retrofit electric bus touring North Yorkshire to disseminate on-the-road energy-saving tips. Similarly, an electric energy van will traverse rural areas of Lincolnshire, explaining how government schemes can reduce energy consumption for households.
Schools And Community Hubs
The strategy is not limited to standalone projects. Schools and community hubs will play a pivotal role in disseminating energy advice and support to households, underscoring the importance of community engagement and shared knowledge. This move is in line with the broader objective of fuel poverty reduction, enabling warmer homes, reduced energy bills, and a substantial reduction in carbon emissions.
“We want everyone to be able to get expert advice on how to make their homes more energy efficient, no matter where they live, so they can save money.
“These innovative projects will bring that expertise right to people’s doorsteps, quite literally in some cases, ensuring people are given the best advice on how to save money on their bills and heat their homes for less without needing to search for it.
Amanda Solloway, Minister for Energy Consumers and Affordability
A Small Part of A Big Transition
The present support dovetails seamlessly with earlier resources launched this year, including an online tool to uncover energy-saving opportunities within homes and a dedicated energy efficiency helpline. In addition, households can tap into a suite of government-backed programs such as the Home Upgrade Grant and Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, along with ECO4 and The Great British Insulation Scheme, all contributing to the overarching £6.6 billion energy efficiency endeavor.
The bold strides taken today underscore the government’s unwavering commitment to championing energy efficiency. This holistic approach seeks to empower households, foster innovation, and accelerate the journey towards a more sustainable and cost-effective future.
If you would like to find out more about this project, please read the government’s ‘Bespoke energy advice to help thousands of hard-to-reach households save on bills‘ Press Release.
It’s good news that the government is moving to increase targeted support for those most in need. Personalised advice is crucial in empowering people to confidently make the right changes in their home.
Mike Thornton, Chief Executive at Energy Saving Trust
