Energy Advice

The following alternative sources of general advice and assistance are also available.

Simple Energy Advice - Free Help and Advice on 0800 444202

The general number to call for free help and impartial advice is the through the Government-backed Simple Energy Advice on 0800 444202. The helpline is open:

• Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm
• Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm

Information can also be accessed at https://www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk/

If you cannot be helped by any of the schemes listed below, the SEA advice line may be able to offer alternatives.

Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS) Cold to Cosy Homes

We are supporting a free project to help residents struggling with cold and draughty houses and help cut heating costs.

Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS) won funding to work with local councils and other partners to offer a Cold to Cosy Homes service, making free advice, energy-saving equipment and other practical help available to householders.

Its advisors give advice over the phone and ensure that energy saving measures are in place to reduce energy use and costs.

Residents can save money on their energy bills through simple measures like LED light bulbs, draught exclusion and radiator reflectors, all offered free of charge through the scheme.

The advisor can assess needs like draught proofing for doors and chimneys and radiator reflectors on their call and arrange for measures to be posted out or arrange for a professional installer to fit measures like loft hatch draught proofing.

There is a wide range of eligibility based on income, health and vulnerability criteria.

Cold to Cosy Homes Cumbria is delivered by CAfS, with a network of trusted Cumbrian tradespeople carrying out the more substantial energy efficiency installations. It is funded through the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme and partners include Local Energy Advice Partnership (or LEAP) and all the counties local authorities.

Andrew Northcott, energy efficiency project manager with CAfS, said: “Booking a call means you get expert advice on ways to get a warmer home, save energy at home, cut your bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Many calls can lead on to real benefits, making big improvements to warmth and energy use”

“I suggest people contact us as soon as possible to check eligibility for the free scheme and book a call.”

“By partnering with local authorities we have been able to provide many more visits across the district and focus on the areas and households that can benefit the most."

Apply for a free Cold to Cosy Homes advice call by emailing the team on cosyhomes@cafs.org.uk or calling: 01768 216500.

Please see this leaflet for more information

Energy Company Obligation

You can read more about this on the Westmorland and Furness website located at: Housing energy efficiency grants and advice | Westmorland and Furness Council

Affordable Warmth Obligation

The Affordable Warmth Obligation replaced a number of other insulation grant schemes. It is intended to provide up front support for measures which will help households to heat their homes more affordably.

It is available in private tenures only (i.e. not to social housing tenants), to people receiving one of the following:

• State Pension Credit
• Working Tax Credit (income under £16,190)
• Child Tax Credit (income under £16,190)
• Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income Based Employment and Support Allowance

   

  It can support the installation of the following measures:

  • Loft insulation
  • Cavity wall insulation
  • Solid wall insulation
  • Replacement boilers
  • Boiler repairs with accompanied after care
  • Air & Ground source heat pumps
  • District heating

     

    To apply for these measures, call the Energy Savings Trust helpline on 0300 123 1234, or contact your own energy provider, who may be able to help.

    Health Through Warmth

    NPower have extended their Health Through Warmth Scheme to cover the whole of England & Wales; this scheme was not originally available in the North West.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Cold Related Illness
    • Homeowner (resident for over 12 months)
    • Not Statutory Grant Eligible (or situation very urgent)
    • A low income household with little or no savings
    • Unable to fully fund the work themselves

       

      The scheme is discretionary and can contribute to the costs of:

      • Loft and Cavity Wall Insulation
      • Gas Fires (repairs and or replacement)
      • Storage Heaters (repairs or replacement)
      • Central Heating (and other heating repairs)
      • Hot Water Tank (repairs or replacement)

         

        Heath Through Warmth Team use their own approved contractors, and deal with all referrals directly.

        Other funding can come from charitable bodies or LA's, or by own contribution from the householder

        If you have any other queries or require further information please contact the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets:

        OFGEM,
        9 Millbank,
        London,
        SW1P 9GE.
        Tel : 020 7901 7000
        http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/.

        OFGEM have also provided a guide to shopping around for the best deal and switching energy providers. This provides people with a simple guide to help them get the best energy deal and is called "Go Energy Shopping". Go Energy Shopping can be found at http://www.goenergyshopping.co.uk/en-gb

        Other Useful Websites

        With the rising cost of energy, there are a number of government schemes and grants available to help people with their energy bills.

        Warm Home Discount Scheme

        The Warm Home Discount will be expanded, so nearly 3 million low-income households will benefit from a £150 discount.

        Winter Fuel Payment

        The Winter Fuel Payment is a government grant between £100 and £300 for people born before 26 September 1955 to help pay their heating bills.

        Cold Weather Payment

        The Cold Weather Payment is automatically given to eligible households in areas where temperatures are recorded below 0 degrees for 7 consecutive days.

        Other Schemes

        Some energy suppliers also run their own energy grants to provide financial aid for those who need it and you don’t necessarily need to be their customer to take advantage of them.

        Wind power related:

        • https://www.bwea.com/

         

        Others:

        • https://www.cat.org.uk/
        • https://www.sundog-energy.co.uk/
        • https://www.energysavingsecrets.co.uk/

           

          Energy Savings Trust: Good information of energy efficiency in the home and latest news https://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/.

          CREATE: http://www.create.org.uk/ Leading national organisation for educational resources on energy.