Somerset Council is shining a spotlight on Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, which takes place on 27 November, to highlight 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.

The Council is showcasing various resources available to help reduce energy costs, improve home heat retention, and lower energy bills.

Somerset Independence Plus offers a range of support to residents, including financial assistance for home improvements and access to grants.

The 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.

The Somerset Energy Saver webpage offers 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 supported by the Council include:

• The Home Upgrade Grant Scheme 2 (HUGS), which provides financial assistance for home improvements to enhance energy efficiency.
• The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, which requires energy suppliers to help improve the energy efficiency of some of their customers’ homes across the UK, offering support for energy-saving measures in homes.
• The Great British Insulation Scheme to help 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, the Council can provide fixed low rate loans in partnership with Social Enterprise lender, Lendology CIC, to 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:

We’re 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.

*Somerset Council recognises it can be challenging to make energy efficiency improvements to listed buildings, and that any retrofit measures are generally bespoke to the type of construction. Anyone looking to retrofit their listed home, should seek expert advice from contractors who specialise in listed buildings.