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Find out more about local ‘fuel poverty’ statistics here.
In this section we provide some links for households seeking to manage their energy budgets or improve their environment.
In a period of almost unprecedented increases in domestic energy prices together with real concerns about future supplies and environmental issues, it is really important that we are well informed about options.
What this section is not is a price comparison site - there are a wide range of these that are well advertised elsewhere. What we would advise everyone to do is ‘shop around’ - switch your supplier(s) when you find a better deal, it keeps your bills as low as they can be and keeps them on their toes - switching is very easy!
It is also important to remember that sensible household measures should be addressed - is your loft insulated to current recommended levels, has your central heating system been serviced regularly and programmed sensibly, is your hot water tank insulated to a good level - and its thermostat set to a sensible (say 60ºC) temperature. All of these fairly simple measures can save energy - and money!
Here we provide links to four current money saving options available to various groups:
The Warm Home Discount Scheme (click on that link for full details from the Department of Energy & Climate Change) available to Pension Credit recipients and some other vulnerable groups. A simplified explanation as it applied to winter 2011/12 can be viewed here. The scheme runs through to winter 2014/2015.
RCAN (Rural Community Action Nottinghamshire) have put in place a bulk-purchase strategy for domestic heating oil. If you are one of the many ‘stung’ by rocketing oil prices, have a look at Your Energy ► RCAN Bulk Oil for more background and application details.
Currently one of the best medium/long term investments is a roof-mounted solar electricity generating system (Photovoltaic or PV system). Such systems are currently being heavily advertised with often enticing suggestions that they may be installed ‘free’. For a full overview of PV-system potential (no pun intended!), the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) together with explanations of both owner-installed and rent-a-roof schemes, click here.
Also, have a look at the Government’s own explanations at http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/meeting_energy/renewable_ener/feedin_tariff/feedin_tariff.aspx
The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), a government sponsored scheme to reward installers of hot water generating systems came online in 2012. For a full overview, go to http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/meeting_energy/Renewable_ener/incentive/incentive.aspx
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