Help for people struggling to heat their homes
With heating costs set to rise, home energy advisers are ready to help Peterborough residents keep warm and manage their bills.
Free, impartial advice and support from the Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP) is available to people struggling to heat their homes this winter.
This renewed offer of support comes as charity National Energy Action (NEA) marks Fuel Poverty Awareness Day on Wednesday 26 November, which follows energy regulator Ofgem’s recent announcement of new energy price cap rates.
A recent report by NEA estimated 5,977 households in Peterborough – more than one in ten – are now living in fuel poverty. Many residents face mounting debts as the ongoing energy crisis puts further pressure on household budgets. Nationally, the average annual energy bill for a typical household currently stands at £1,755 – up by nearly £500 since 2021.
With more people expected to ration their heating this winter, NEA has warned that cold, damp homes can have serious effects on both physical and mental health.
Delivered by Green Energy Switch (GES) in partnership with Peterborough City Council and other local authorities, LEAP has made 2,653 home visits to date, helping residents save energy, lower their bills, and access emergency financial support for heating. Its advisers are now urging more people to seek help or refer friends, relatives and neighbours who may need support.
Sarah Buttigieg, Director at GES, said: “The work our Home Energy Advisers do every day is essential to our communities. With the energy crisis and rising price caps, the demand for our support has increased significantly.
“Our advisors provide crucial assistance to residents during times of real need, making a tangible difference in their lives.”
LEAP’s energy support service is open to eligible homeowners, private renters and social housing tenants already in or at risk of falling into fuel poverty. It also provides free energy-saving products and help replacing inefficient appliances and broken boilers.
For more information about LEAP in Peterborough and how to apply, visit greenenergyswitch.co.uk/home-energy/ or call freephone 0800 060 7567. Once eligibility has been confirmed, an adviser will be in touch to arrange an advice appointment.