Staff at North East-based sustainability organisation Tadea are urging County Durham residents to sign up for its free home energy checks in a bid to help beat the effects of recent gas and electricity price hikes.
The increased bills are set to cause further problems for those in the region already worried about the financial implications of staying warm this coming winter. Last month SSE announced price rises of 8.2 per cent, with British Gas increases for dual-fuel customers of 9.2 per cent. NPower are set to raise the average costs for dual-fuel customers by 10.4 per cent. Other energy companies are expected to follow suit.
The free home visits, which are offered as part of a project called Managing Money Better, will help counter these increases, providing residents with tips on how they can cut their energy usage whilst staying warm at home.
The visits will see Tadea advisors providing face-to-face advice, helping residents to use their heating systems effectively, better understand their fuel bills and get the best deals possible from their energy providers.
Tadea is set to deliver 6,000 free visits over three years. The project is funded by Comic Relief and run by Prince Bishops Community Bank alongside housing provider Derwentside Homes.
Cristina Winter, a Customer Services Assistant at Tadea, said: “With the costs of staying warm at home already causing problems for many people in County Durham, these increases in energy costs are the last thing they need to hear.
“However, the home visits we are offering can really help to combat the worst effects of these price rises. With the help and advice we provide, people really can make significant savings on their bills while making sure that they stay warm and healthy at home. I’d urge as many residents as possible to sign up for our free home visits. They could make a huge difference this winter.”
Lynne Grange, an Energy Advisor at Tadea, said: “Once a free home check has been arranged with Tadea, either myself or one of my colleagues will make a visit to the property to provide friendly, practical, face-to-face advice covering a range of topics. We’ll discuss the main source of heating, what – if any – energy efficiency measures are in place at the property and we’ll review the resident’s energy bills.
“As our energy checks take place at individuals’ houses, we are able to provide tailored advice on how fuel bills can be reduced based on each person’s circumstances.”
Home energy visits are currently taking place throughout County Durham. If you would like to arrange a visit, please call Tadea free* on 0800 124 4320. You can also register online by visiting: http://www.tadea-uk.com/Sustainable-Householders/Managing-Money-Better
*Calls from a mobile may be charged