From this spring North East residents will benefit from a new free comprehensive energy advice service aimed at improving the energy efficiency of homes across the region.
Delivered by the experts at Energy Saving Trust, the service is made possible through almost £2m funding secured by the North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA).
Residents in the North of Tyne will be able to access a one stop shop for energy advice, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This will guide people in the area through the steps needed to make home energy improvements, enabling them to reduce their carbon emissions and lower their energy bills.
This part of the service will include a website featuring energy saving advice and will give householders the option to create a report tailored to their home with recommendations on how to make it warmer, use less energy and save money, as well as providing links to local installers who can come and do the work. Expert advisors from Energy Saving Trust will be available to provide over-the-phone advice to support residents every step of the way.
In addition, across the wider North East, funding from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will enable Energy Saving Trust’s partners at Groundwork North East and Cumbria and Community Action Northumberland to provide extra in-person support for more vulnerable households, or those in rural or hard to treat homes. Households will benefit from home assessments and support from a qualified Retrofit Coordinator plus, where eligible, referrals to schemes which install energy efficiency measures.
This part of the service will maximise local supply chains and work alongside local delivery partners and charities to identify households who need support and ensure a joined-up comprehensive approach. This project is funded by Tees Valley Combined Authority.
Mayor Jamie Driscoll said:
“Warmer homes which are cheaper to run, who doesn’t want that?
“We’ve got to reduce our carbon emissions. Supporting people to upgrade old buildings is one of the ways we’re doing it. It’s also about protecting people’s pockets and their health.
“People who live in cold, poorly insulated homes are more at risk of falling ill and staying ill. Every £1 invested in retrofitting homes, saves the NHS 42p. We’re working with Energy Saving Trust who are experts in this area, to roll this out at scale across the North East.”
Dame Norma Redfearn DBE, Chair of the Housing and Land Board said: said: “This service will enable us to fulfil our commitment to deliver a large scale retrofit programme for the North East, that maximises local skills and supply chain opportunities, creating local jobs, whilst supporting our residents to reduce their energy bills.”
More than 60% of homes in North of Tyne have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or below1, potentially leading to higher energy bills. In addition, more than 85% of homes in the region use gas or oil powered heating systems2, meaning they’re susceptible to high energy prices being driven by the volatility of international fossil fuel markets.
Laura McGadie, group head of energy at Energy Saving Trust said: “With 30 years of experience, we know the value of providing tailored advice to help people manage their energy use and costs. Energy Saving Trust is pleased to be at the forefront of shaping a new approach to the delivery of energy advice and practical support for the residents in the North East.”
The one stop shop for residents in the North of Tyne and extra in person support for eligible households across the North East will initially be available for one year. Information about the service will be available online at energysavingtrust.org.uk from April.