Somerset Council is shining a spotlight on Fuel Poverty Awareness Day (27 November) to raise awareness about the challenges faced by households struggling to afford adequate heating.
Fuel poverty affects many families in Somerset, particularly during the colder months, with 57% of UK homes considered fuel poor.
Somerset Council is highlighting the resources available to help reduce energy costs, improve home heat retention and lower energy bills.
The Council’s Somerset Independence Plus offers a range of support to Somerset residents including financial assistance for home improvements and access to grants
Somerset Council also works with the Centre for Sustainable Energy to provide valuable resources and guidance on grants for insulation and heating improvements, debt and accessing benefits, and guidance on reducing damp and mould.
Our Somerset Energy Saver web pages have information on improving home heating, reducing cold spots, understanding Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) and practical energy saving tips you can do straight away, many of which cost nothing.
Other resources we can support with include:
Home Upgrade Grant Scheme 2 (HUGS) provides financial assistance for home improvements to enhance energy efficiency.
Energy Company Obligation (ECO) requires energy suppliers to help improve the energy efficiency of some of their customers’ homes across the UK, they offer support for energy-saving measures in homes. Find out if you qualify.
The Great British Insulation Scheme helps with insulation improvements to keep homes warmer. If you qualify, you may be able to get free or cheaper insulation to reduce your home’s energy bills.
Additional financial support is available for residents who don’t qualify for government grants. With energy prices rising this winter, Lendology CIC , a Social Enterprise lender, and Somerset Council provide council-backed, low fixed rate loans that help homeowners and landlords with repairs, energy efficiency improvements, and renewable energy upgrades like insulation, windows, solar panels, and air source heat pumps. These can help to save money, improve comfort and wellbeing, increase property value, and reduce carbon emissions.
Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Public Health, Environment and Climate Change, Councillor Graham Oakes said:
Somerset Council is committed to ensuring all residents have the support they need to stay warm and healthy this winter. We recognise that many residents are living in cold homes and face a long winter, with some even having to choose between food and heating. I encourage anyone who is worried about fuel bills or wants to make energy improvements to their homes to explore the many support services available.
