Walsall organisations help cut the cost of keeping warm

• 27th November 2020

Customers

Leading organisations in Walsall have joined forces to help households cut the cost of keeping warm this winter.

Midlands’ landlord whg, Walsall Council, West Midlands Fire Service and Co-op Energy are working together with the Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP) to offer residents a completely free energy and money saving service.

The winter campaign launches on 27 November to coincide with Fuel Poverty Action Day, a national event to raise awareness of some of the issues faced by those living in cold homes and the solutions available.

As part of the LEAP project eligible households will receive the help of a home energy advisor who will provide advice and support to make the home as energy efficient as possible. This could include installing free, simple energy saving measures such as LED light bulbs and draught-proofing, sourcing funding for energy saving home improvements and exploring the best energy tariffs.

 Paul Dockerill, Director of Energy and Programme Management at whg, said: “Having a warm home is essential for our health and wellbeing. We don’t want any of our customers struggling to pay their bills and are delighted to be working with our partners to reduce energy bills and ensure our customers can stay safe and warm.”

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council and portfolio holder for Money Home Job said: “The Local Energy Advice Partnership does just what it says – it offers advice to people who may be experiencing fuel poverty and helps take them out of it. We can check your home and if you meet our criteria, we can get an approved energy company contractor to make insulation and heating improvements that are also kinder to your pocket.  

“I’m proud that over the last year and during this pandemic we’ve already supported over 1000 households to do this and will continue to do so.”

Station Commander Warren Davies, of West Midlands Fire Service, said “We encourage everyone to take full advantage of the advice and support available to improve their heating systems and insulation.  This reduces the need for people to keep warm using portable heaters, which have sadly been responsible for a number of house fires.”

Richard Chavasse, Head of Product, Co-op Energy, said: “Our partnership with whg has seen hundreds of customers save substantial amounts on their energy bills over a number of years. We are excited to be able to support the evolution of this in what is clearly an expansive and timely campaign.”

To find out more about the scheme call whg on 0300 555 6666 or visit www.applyforleap.org.uk