The Citizen Advice, Energy Advice team are gearing up for another winter
This year Citizens Advice South Hams will be extending its work and offering Energy Advice Checks in foodbanks and jobcentres to try and reach people who not only have problems paying for energy but are living in damp and draughty homes.
The local charity will help people find the cheapest deals, apply for discounts and grants, help reduce energy and water debts as well as making sure clients are living in homes that are energy efficient.
Nick White, from Citizens Advice South Hams says, “If you are struggling to pay your heating costs and/or keep your home warm, comfortable and healthy, please contact us to ask for an Energy Check. On average householders who haven’t previously switched supplier can save up to £300 a year.
There are lots of things we can do to help, not only in finding the cheapest tariff but help in accessing the £140 Warm Home Discount, applications for grants to buy energy efficient white goods and replacement of a prepayment meter. We also look at why bills are so high, reducing draughts, condensation, damp and mould, even how to get the most cost effective energy out of storage heaters.
We can also look at water care and water sure tariffs, anyone who is struggling with bills and living in an unhealthy home should contact us, we can help householders with applications to reduce energy and water debts and in some cases apply to have them written off.
We also have a home visiting service to help residents tackle the really tricky situations such as bills being too high for no apparent reason, heating systems that don’t work or are broken, low Energy Performance Ratings (EPC), draught or damp and mould that you can’t get under control. In some cases residents may be eligible for funding of up to 100% towards energy efficiency improvements such as insulation, upgrading electric storage radiators and new boilers.”
If you need help to switch suppliers or have any energy questions call Citizens Advice on 03 444 111 444 and ask for a switching check with the South Hams Energy team.
