As we enter the coldest months of the year, and as we are spending more time at home than ever before, Frome Town Council are encouraging residents to take part in The Big Energy Saving Week. It is a national campaign that runs from 18th to 24th January and is all about raising public awareness of how to switch energy supplier or tariff to get the best deal, access discounts and make homes energy efficient. It does this by focussing on three main areas: Check – Switch – Save.
There are many actions we can take which can help our households and the planet. From simple things such as turning your central heating thermostat down by 1 degree to save yourself around £60 a year! Or if everyone in the UK switched from higher temperature washes down to 30 degrees, together we could save over £230 million on electricity bills a year.
Check
Energy bills can be big worry for many of us this winter. But you could save money on your bills simply by checking you’re not paying more than you need to. You could be missing out on special discounts, grants or support that will save you money. Visit the Citizens Advice energy advice page for the full list of support available.
The Centre for Sustainable Energy is a charity that provides a single point of contact to help people, particularly those most vulnerable from the direct effects of a cold home. They offer a free Home Energy Advice Line and will work with residents to create a plan that covers financial guidance on energy costs and help to apply for grants and loans. They are there to help, so whether your home is uninsulated and drafty, or your appliances are inefficient, they will advise on ways to stop wasting energy and money and make your home snug and warm. You can call them on 0800 082 2234.
The National Energy Action charity is also hosting free online “Keeping warm at home” information sessions on 21st January, where you can learn more about saving energy and making bills more affordable. You can book your free place here: https://www.nea.org.uk/what-we-do/latest-events/
Switch
Did you know that 27% of people in the UK have never switched energy provider? Switching energy tariff or supplier could save you hundreds of pounds. There are many price comparison tools you can use to find the best tariff for you, while you’re at it, why not help family or friends search for a better deal too?
Mendip District Council along with other local authorities across the country have been joining forces for the Big Community Switch auction. Taking part is free and people have the chance to group together and pay less for their energy. The more people who take part, the more competitive the energy deal. Following the auction, participating residents will each receive a personal offer and have a month to decide whether to switch or not. For those who want to go ahead then the switching process is simple, and it’s all done for you. This year, for the first time, 100 per cent renewable energy tariffs from wind, biomass and solar are available for electricity at competitive market prices, this means by taking part in The Big Community Switch supports Frome Town Council’s pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030. Residents have until 9th February to sign up, you can read more on Mendip’s website: https://www.mendip.gov.uk/article/9732/Mendip-residents-urged-to-think-greener-with-the-Big-Community-Switch-
Save
There are many ways you can save money on your bills this winter and all year round, each small step can add up to a bigger saving and making your home more efficient:
- Spend one minute less in the shower each day and a family of four could save £75 a year on energy and water bills
- Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows and check for draughts around windows and doors
- Draught-proofing windows and doors and blocking cracks in floors and skirting boards can save around £25 a year on energy bills
- To really make the most of the heat you’re paying for, you could get smart meters to help track and manage your energy use
There are numerous ways to save money, whether on appliances or lighting, in the kitchen or bathroom, find out more about the different ways you can reduce your energy bills this winter: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/home-energy-efficiency
Cllr Anne Hills commented, “It’s everyone’s basic need to have a warm home and by making our homes as energy efficient as we possibly can will help. As we’re spending more time at home during lockdown, now is the perfect time to review, and I ask you to check in on your more elderly and vulnerable neighbours to see if they also need any help to ensure no one is suffering with a cold or damp house this winter.
Additionally, signing up to the Big Community Switch allows you to easily switch to 100 per cent renewable energy tariffs from wind, biomass and solar for electricity at competitive market prices – if every home in Frome switches this could really help towards our carbon neutral target of 2030!”.
