Keep Herefordshire Warm is offering support to residents who are struggling to afford their energy bills this winter
It’s Fuel Poverty Awareness Day on Thursday 30 November, and Keep Herefordshire Warm is offering energy bill support to residents feeling the pinch.
The Keep Herefordshire Warm initiative provides support for people and families who are struggling to afford their energy bills.
Help is completely free, and may include contributions towards energy debt, support on applying for available funding for home improvements, advice on how to manage energy bills, and a free energy pack in the post with gadgets to be used around the home.
With winter starting to take hold, help is available for the 16% of households in Herefordshire that are reported to be in fuel poverty, which is higher than the national average for England.
Cllr Elissa Swinglehurst, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said:
“One of the keys to wellbeing is a comfortable, warm environment but the cost of heating can make that difficult. The Keep Herefordshire Warm service has been providing free home energy advice since 2001, and covers all homes in the county.
“The support on offer ranges from simple changes you can make to improve fuel efficiency, advice on reducing your energy bills and support to access financial grants to help with insulation or heating.
“Even if you live in a warm home please keep an eye out for friends and neighbours who may be living in colder properties this Fuel Poverty Awareness Day. If you suspect that someone may be struggling with the temperature of their home, or facing high energy bills, the best thing you can do is encourage them to call Keep Herefordshire Warm.”
Herefordshire Council is working with YES Energy Solutions, a Community Interest and a social enterprise, committed to helping as many people as possible to live in more affordable and efficient, warm homes.
The team has already helped over 300 people in Herefordshire and are ready to answer calls to answer any questions on staying warm and saving money.
YES Energy Solutions’ team have helped over 10,000 people across the country in the last three years to upgrade their homes to make them warmer and more affordable.
Duncan McCombie from YES Energy Solutions, added:
"It’s tough out there, and we understand the huge challenges posed by high energy prices and the cost-of-living crisis across the county. If you’re struggling with your bills or just want some help getting to grips with your energy use ready for the winter, we’re here for you. We want to help people understand how they can manage their bills and access funding which could include free financial support for loft insulation or a new boiler. Our support means people and families will improve their energy efficiency in their homes and improve their household budget for the longer-term.”
To receive support from Keep Herefordshire Warm, residents are urged to text ADVICE to 82228 or call 0800 6771 432 to receive their pack and get tailored support.
Additional information about Fuel Poverty Awareness Day
In the UK, over three million households are estimated to be living in fuel poverty. This is the term used to refer to a situation where a household is unable to afford to heat their home to the temperature needed to stay warm and healthy.
While the exact definition and measurement varies across the UK, the main contributors to fuel poverty are low incomes, rising energy prices, and inadequate heating, poor insulation and ventilation.
It’s a situation that tends to see the poorest people, who live in the least energy efficient homes, pay the most for their energy. And it’s a situation that gets worse in the winter months, when the temperature drops, and householders find themselves struggling to meet basic living expenses like energy bills.
In Herefordshire 16.7% of households are in fuel poverty according to the Government. This is against a national average of 13.2%.
About YES Energy Solutions
- YES Energy Solutions are experts at delivering award winning energy efficiency and home energy upgrade projects that make a significant impact to communities. Working in partnership with our funders and our trusted network of quality installers, we create warmer, more efficient and affordable homes for people and families in need. We’ve been doing this for over 20 years.
- YES Energy Solutions is delivering the Keep Herefordshire Warm initiative on behalf of Herefordshire County Council. This is the first year of a three year contract.
- We’re a community interest company, meaning we put people and communities first, supporting them to reduce their energy, increase their warmth and pay their bills through our expert, friendly and personal service.
- Our team know how to save customers money and are kept constantly up-to date on all funding and improvement schemes available to our end customers.
- Above all we’re here to help people reduce their energy usage, keep their homes warmer and their bills more affordable by giving advice on easy changes and help to access free funding for home upgrades.
- Call 0800 6771 432 or text ADVICE to 82228
- For any press enquiries please call 01422 880 120