Energy efficiency takes centre stage

20 October 2008

Next week, 20 – 24 October, marks National Energy Efficiency Week, a topic that is very important to The Wrekin Housing Trust.

In the current financial climate with soaring fuel bills, energy efficiency is important to everyone. The Trust understands the strains this may put tenants under and is taking steps to ensure tenants are aware of what they can do to be more energy efficient and save money.

The Trust works with local estate agents D.B Roberts & Partners to provide all new and re-let properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). An EPC shows tenants how efficient their home is, how much it may cost to heat it and what they can do to cut their fuel bills. This extra information and guidance has helped tenants prepare for the winter fuel payments by making their homes more efficient at retaining warmth.

The Trust is also working with Energyextra to help tenants reduce their fuel bills. Energyextra is a group of 13 Housing Associations and Local Authorities set up to help tenants get cheaper gas and electricity. The Trust can arrange for tenants to see an expert Home Energy Advisor who will make sure they are getting the best deal for their gas and electricity and help them be more efficient in their home. The service is free and helps tenants to not only save money but to have a better understanding of their bills and meters.

The Trust also has a number of electricity monitors that tenants can borrow. The monitor informs the tenant how much electricity is being used in the house and how much it is costing. This prompts people to turn off lights that aren't needed and switch off appliances rather than leaving them on stand by. The monitors are a great way to get the whole family interested in saving energy and are very simple to use.

Over the last year the Trust has fitted over 600 new boilers and 130 central heating systems as part of the Decent Homes Standard. A new boiler can save around £130 per year from the average heating bill.

Dave Hall, Head of Asset Management at The Wrekin Housing Trust, said: "Energy efficiency is a global issue and the increase in fuel costs has made it even more important to ensure that everyone is doing what they can to be more efficient. The Trust has a number of projects in place to help and by working with other organisations such as Energy Extra we hope this will make a big difference to our tenants."


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