CUMBRIA Action for Sustainability (CAfS) is celebrating Big Energy Saving Week 2020 and promoting opportunities for people to cut their energy bills and make sure they get all the financial support that’s available. This annual campaign, which starts on Monday 20 January, was created by Citizens Advice and the Energy Saving Trust.
“Our Cold to Cosy Homes Cumbria project is very much part of this approach,” says Tina Holt, energy efficiency project officer with (CAfS), which runs the service. “There is a lot of free advice and practical help available and we know from our own contacts across Cumbria that people are often really surprised to know what they’re entitled to and how much difference it can make.”
Charlie who lives near Sedbergh is one of those who have already seen the benefits of a Cold to Cosy Homes advisor visit: “The free improvements have already made a tremendous difference to our home,” he says. “It feels much cosier. I’ve been passing on leaflets to people I meet through my work as I now realise how many of them could make big savings with just a bit of help and advice.”
Cold to Cosy Homes Cumbria has a team of energy advisors who visit homes on request and ensure that simple measures are in place, fitting them on the spot if possible. Things such as low-energy lighting, draught excluders, stand by switch off devices and radiator reflectors all help to reduce energy use and save money. The advisors can also help with referrals for further free draught exclusion and even, in some cases, new heating systems.
The Big Energy Saving Week campaign has highlighted 20 ways to save, most of them very easy. From more effective thermostats and water-saving showerheads to sorting out dripping taps and replacing light bulbs with LEDs. Further information is available online at www.citizensadvice.org.ukand looking for BESW20 under campaigns.
“Cold to Cosy Homes Cumbria is aiming to do exactly what it says, improving people’s homes to save them money and save energy,” says Tina. “It’s good to have the focus of Big Energy Saving Week 2020 to highlight what’s possible and how easy it is for so many homeowners and tenants to get advice and free support.”
Cold to Cosy Homes Cumbria is delivered by CAfS, with a network of trusted Cumbrian tradespeople carrying out the more substantial draught-proofing installations. It is funded through the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme. Partners are Local Energy Advice Partnership (or LEAP) and the ECHO free boiler replacement scheme (funded by energy suppliers under Warm Home Discount Industry Initiatives) as well as South Lakeland District Council, Eden District Council’s Warm Homes Eden project and Carlisle City Council.
Householders can apply for a free Cold to Cosy Homes Cumbria visit and help at www.cosyhomes.org.uk or by calling CAfS on 01768 210276.
