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Birds are chirping, the sun is shining (for the most part) and the kids are in summer uniform… spring is officially here! But the work is never over when it comes to Energy Projects Plus helping struggling community members to improve energy efficiency, reduce fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions. In this issue you will find: Project updates, partner hosted energy events, cost of living payment information, job vacancies, forced pre-payment meter update, and more. Enjoy, Melanie |
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Energy Projects Plus is recruiting:
For more information visit: www.epplus.org.uk/vacancies |
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UPCOMING PARTNER EVENTS |
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Digital Drop in Event – 5th May Hosted by: Make it Happen – Birkenhead If you are interested in learning more about navigating the digital side of energy, this one is for you! With more and more essential services going online, digital knowhow is a life skill worth learning. To try to make energy, water, and carbon awareness services easier and more accessible for everyone, Energy Projects Plus is delivering a series of ‘Digital Drop-In Events’ to give our community the support they need to make their digital life that little bit easier! Let us know if you fancy popping along – we anticipate a lot of interest! 5th May Digital Skills session, 10am to 12pm. Part of the TechKnow Project |
Take Control of Your Energy Bills! Workshop Hosted by: Wirral Environmental Network Wirral Environmental Network are hosting a workshop from Energy Projects Plus on Monday 15th May, 2023. Learn how to understand your energy bills and get recommendations for your home that will help your reduce your energy use to save money and lower carbon emissions. Time: Monday 15th May, 10am – 12pm Location: Wirral Environmental Network, Sandon Building, 100 Falkland Road, Wallasey, CH44 8ER To book a place on the workshop, please email wen@la21.net Part of the Wirral Lifelong Learning Project
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Forced Fitting of Prepayment Meters to Resume All energy suppliers in England, Scotland and Wales have signed up to a new voluntary code of conduct meaning that the pause on force fitting prepayment meters has been lifted. The new code should see suppliers taking greater steps to contact customers and carry out a welfare visit before a prepayment meter is installed. Some customers are protected from having prepayment meters installed included those aged over 85 with no other support in the household, and those with particular health issues. |
The LEAP Boiler Scheme runs each year from September through to the end of March, unless funds are exhausted earlier. But we’re delighted to confirm this scheme has reopened. It will close again to referrals on Wednesday 31st May, or until funds are exhausted.
The scheme is available to qualifying residents that have received a LEAP (Local Energy Advice Partnership) home visit, which are delivered across Merseyside and Cheshire by Energy Projects Plus. Eligible residents are vulnerable homeowners on a low income, and/or in receipt of means-tested benefits. The scheme will cover the repair or replacement of mains gas central heating boilers, which are broken or faulty at the time of a visit conducted by a Gas Safe Registered heating engineer.
Referrals for the LEAP Boiler Scheme can be made on our ‘general referral form’ available here: www.epplus.org.uk/referrals
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Liverpool Affordable Warmth Project We are currently working with a number of partners to deliver Advise Session Drop ins if you want to pop and visit us we will be at:
To learn more visit our project page or find us on social media.
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Save Energy Advice Line: 0800 043 0151
Thanks to additional recruitment, and continuing improvement in the weather, we’re pleased to report a general reduction in the average waiting time for residents accessing our services. We are still prioritising enquiries relating to vulnerable residents either without heat, or at risk of self-disconnection, or living in homes with damp and mould. All other clients will be supported on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition to our telephone advice, we’re able to deliver home visits across Merseyside and Cheshire, where we offer advice, practical demonstrations (e.g. how to set your home’s central heating controls), and assess eligibility for other help such as white goods, fuel top-up support, and access to further grants that may be available. Thanks to the government’s “Home Upgrade Grant”, “Boiler Upgrade Scheme”, “Energy Company Obligation” and the “Great British Insulation Scheme”, this can include free insulation, low carbon heating and even solar panels.
CLICK HERE to refer a client for a home visit
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CASE STUDY Liverpool Affordable Warmth Ms P was referred to EPP by a social housing provider, the support requested was help with energy efficiency, easy energy measures and utility debt. After completing a home visit and full assessment we highlighted support with water debt, support to reduce fuel bills and easy measures. We went through how to read the pre-payment meter, boiler temperature and general overview of appliances. As Ms P had been referred by the welfare team at the RSL she had already had her benefits and budgeting needs addressed and did not need support in this area. We completed an income and expenditure and highlighted the only debt she had was with United Utilities regarding her water debt as had not been able to pay due to limited income through DWP. We supported her to complete a United Utilities grant application highlighting the support required and why this grant would help her get back on track, we also highlighted that the only debt she had was a priority debt due to a deficit budget. We received a positive outcome and Ms P was awarded £2217.60 clearing her water debt in full, this has improved her wellbeing and ability to get herself back on track. |