Residents save thousands thanks to free energy advice

Published by Ross Macmillan for Riverside Group in Housing and also in Bill Payments

Staff from social landlord Riverside are saving tenants thousands of pounds, thanks to free home energy checks.

Affordable Warmth Officers have been visiting Riverside homes around Merseyside, offering energy efficiency advice, free energy saving products and hints and tips on how to cut down fuel bills.

Michelle Melvin and Cath O’ Donnell recently completed a City and Guilds NEA Energy Awareness course, which make them fully qualified to offer advice in home heating, fuel payments and reducing heat loss, condensation and dampness in the home.

Michelle Melvin, Affordable Warmth Officer, said: “I’ve visited many tenants, particularly those who are vulnerable or elderly who are classed as being in fuel poverty. So far I’ve helped 52 tenants and saved them an average of £257 on their fuel bills, by finding them cheaper tariffs. This is a massive saving.”

“Affordable Warmth” is when an adequate standard of warmth can be achieved for a fuel cost of no more than 10% of household income. The temperature needed to maintain health and comfort is usually defined as 21 degrees for the main living area and 18 degrees for other occupied rooms.

Many social housing tenants, especially in Merseyside, are unable to effectively heat their homes due to lack of energy efficiency knowledge and high fuel tariffs.

Social landlords like Riverside are working hard to help eliminate fuel poverty throughout Merseyside.

If you are a Riverside tenant, living in South Liverpool, (including the Wirral) and would like a home visit, please contact Michelle Melvin on 0845 111 000 or email michelle.melvin@riverside.org.uk for further information.

If you live in North Liverpool, please contact Cath O’ Donnell on 0845 111 000 or email catherine.o’donnell@riverside.org.uk.