New Home Energy Support Service for Three Rivers residents to launch

A news helpline offering residents free independent advice and support on all aspects of home energy use is being launched in Three Rivers district.

Three Rivers District Council is launching the Home Energy Support Service helpline amid the ongoing energy price crisis, offering residents a single point of contact to receive free independent advice and support on all aspects of home energy use.

The service, which will open to residents on 23 May 2022, is delivered by the Better Housing Better Health programme of domestic energy and sustainable housing charity the National Energy Foundation, who specialise in providing expert energy-related support and advice.

The Home Energy Support Service will be open to all Three Rivers residents – no matter what their circumstances – and aims to offer practical advice on energy saving and support with lowering energy bills. The service will also help residents find and apply to the best grants available to improve the energy efficiency of their homes with measures such as insulation, solar panels or low-carbon heating.

With energy prices recently rising to a ten-year high, and further price increases expected in October 2022, the council is urging residents who are worried about their fuel bills or struggling to heat their home, to contact the helpline and receive a personalised package of support.

Joanna Hewitson, Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy Officer, said: “Two out of three properties in Three Rivers are classed as energy inefficient. These inefficient homes will be colder, draughtier and more expensive to heat than energy efficient ones. We want residents – especially those living in homes that are hard to heat – to know that help is available to them. Please call the new helpline to see what you can do to keep your home comfortable and healthy, and save money on your energy bills.”

National Energy Foundation CEO, Dave Evans, said: “I am delighted that we will be supporting Three Rivers with a warmth and wellbeing service. We know that now, more than ever, people need our collective support to address issues of fuel poverty and energy efficiency in the home. This service will expand on the significant impact we have had working in partnership with Three Rivers over the last 18 months and will allow us to support more and more households. We're here, and we're ready to help.”

To access bespoke advice and support on reducing energy bills, making energy saving home improvements, and financial help available, residents can call the Three Rivers Home Energy Support Service free phone line on: 0800 107 0044

Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.

Alternatively, email: bhbh@nef.org.uk