Wherry energy saving advisor turns down costs

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Environment

Wherry Housing Association has given energy advice to nearly 300 local residents and saved one family £600 on their heating bill, as part of its Energywise project.

The team from Wherry Energywise visited vulnerable residents across Norfolk who were at a high risk of fuel poverty – when it costs more than 10 per cent of the household’s income to keep their home warm.  At each property, the Household Energy Advisor carried out an energy audit and suggested ways to save money on energy.  

 Switching suppliers was one of the biggest money savers and the average saving made by doing so was £70 a year. In one case, the Advisor reduced a resident’s bill a whopping £600, from £972 to £372, by helping her to switch to a cheaper tariff.

 Residents who took part in the project were really positive with 98% of people finding the information either quite or very useful.

 Mr Parker of Sprowston said: “Since switching to an online tariff I have found things so much easier. The Energy Advisor guided me through the whole process and answered any questions I had. I am set to save £264 on my bills this year.”

 Sue Stavers, Managing Director, Wherry Housing Association, said: “We are very proud of this project as we have helped some our most vulnerable residents to escape fuel poverty.”

 Wherry continues to carry out a Home Improvements Programme to ensure that all its homes remain above the Government’s decent homes standard. This initiative includes energy saving measures such as replacing old boilers and radiators, loft and cavity wall insulation.

 The Wherry Energywise project was supported by a grant from Ebico, the UK’s only not-for-profit energy supplier.

 ¹ Between October 1 and December 31, 2012 the Energywise project delivered one-to-one energy saving advice to 276 households who were identified as at high risk of fuel poverty. The project specifically targeted older residents, families with young children, residents with a disability and single tenant households on a low income.