Government makes £1m available for energy efficiency advice

The Government has made available £1million in funding via the Big Energy Saving Network for charity and community organisations so they can reach vulnerable consumers and advise them on how to save money on their energy bills.

A variety of organisations including parish councils, community energy groups, charities, faith groups and registered social landlords are invited to bid for funding to help run projects that run this autumn and winter. Counselling will include advice on switching tariffs, the different bill payment methods available, and information on the various Government schemes that help lower bills — such as the Energy Company Obligation.

Each grant is worth up to £5,000 and will be payable to deliver energy saving advice projects to vulnerable consumers (those consumers who have difficulty accessing information or understanding how to save money on their bills) and the frontline workers, such as health professionals and care workers, who support them.

It is expected that close to 160 projects will obtain the funding, and each project will recruit and train volunteers (up to 500 in total) to carry out the advice programmes this winter.

Ed Davey, Energy and Climate Change Secretary said: "We are doing everything possible to help people cut their energy bills. But there are some things they can do to help themselves, like making sure they're signed up to a competitive energy deal, and if they're not, switching. We've made switching easier and faster and it can save hundreds of pounds.

"This new funding means vital energy saving guidance can be targeted where it is needed most, so I urge local authorities, community groups and charities to come forward and help to take on this challenge."