Peterborough charity helps residents heat their homes for less money

Ensuring people can keep their homes warm is vital, because NHS advice suggests inadequately heated homes and lower temperatures can put people at increased risk of physical and mental health conditions.

Energy saving surgeries were held from December 2019 through to February 2020 at a series of villages in the Whittlesey catchment area, including Christchurch, Pondersbridge, Ramsey, Coates and Eastrea. The service supported more than 150 beneficiaries, providing practical energy advice.

PECT advised residents on how to reduce their fuel costs through making simple behavioural changes or switching gas, electric or water tariff/service provider. Eligible residents were also offered support to access the national Warm Home Discount and other funding opportunities for home improvements.

Residents were given free energy packs, which included advice leaflets and devices such as shower timers and thermometer cards to encourage households to make energy-saving behaviour changes.

These interventions will help residents to be more energy efficient and better manage their energy bills in order to stay warm and well during the colder months.

In addition to the energy advice events, PECT provided training to frontline workers to extend the reach of the support. This training will enable frontline workers to identify vulnerable residents and to offer basic energy-efficiency advice, including tips on topics such as insulation and renewable energy.

“Our project aimed to help improve household energy efficiency in the Fenland area,” said PECT’s project officer Nikki Dekker. “We wanted to encourage collective behaviour change, in order to have a substantial impact on addressing climate change in the long-term.”

If you are worried about your energy bills, make sure to follow PECT on Facebook where the charity will be posting a series of energy saving tips. To find out more about PECT’s services, call 01733 568408, email [email protected] or visit www.pect.org.uk.