Severn Wye Energy Agency Warm Well Ruth Davey

Severn Wye Energy Agency Warm & Well Ruth Davey Partnerships Coordinator Email: warmandwell@severnwye. org. uk

Severn Wye Energy Agency • Not for profit organisation • Registered educational charity • Work with schools, businesses, communities and households

Warm and Well • Helps people to stay warm and healthy at home • Recognises links between fuel poverty, poor health and energy efficiency • Works with community, CCG and other health related organisations and local authorities

Fuel Poverty – What is it? “The condition of being unable to afford to keep one's home adequately heated” • Old calculation: spending more than 10% of residual household income on heating, lighting and energy • New calculation: “Low Income High Costs” • This new definition states that a household is said to be in fuel poverty if: • They have required fuel costs that are above average (the national median level), and • Were they to spend that amount they would be left with a residual income below the official poverty line.

Identifying fuel poverty Observable • • • Asthma or wheezing Home cold/ draughty/ partial heating Damp smells Evidence only parts of house in use Housing in poor condition/ mould/ rot Occupants unhappy – depression, fatigue, upset children Obesity/malnutrition Occupants wearing lots of clothes indoors Stay in bed more to keep warm/hot water bottle Use of supplementary heating Curtains closed during day time

Solutions • • • Measures Behaviour change Maximise income Check tariff Switch provider

Switching • If haven’t switched for 1 year or more, it is highly likely that paying too much • Ensure on cheapest tariff available through supplier • Use an OFGEM accredited price comparison site e. g. www. energyhelpline. com/severwyeenergy • Information online or by telephone • Call our advice line 0800 500 3076 • Have a recent bill to hand

Warm Home Discount £ 140 discount off this winter of gas or electricity bill One-off discount between October and April Not offered by all energy suppliers Qualify if on 10 July 2016 all of the following applied: • Name (or partner’s) was on the bill • Get Pension Credit • May get if on a low income/means-tested benefits • Check with supplier • •

Priorities Service Register Provided by fuel suppliers and Distribution Network Operators if: • State pension age • Disabled or suffering from a chronic illness • Have a visual or hearing impairment Free services: • Password scheme • Bills available in large print and Braille as well as talking bills • Meter reading service • Meters moved to an accessible location for free • Priority in an emergency, this could include providing alternate heating and cooking facilities in the event of disconnection • Free annual gas safety check

Warm & Well advice line Free and impartial Tips for saving energy and staying warm Free home visit Access to grants – cavity wall and loft insulation, boiler replacements • Links to a local installers and tradespeople • Switching energy tariffs and suppliers • •

Home visits • Free • Survey whole house to look for any areas where the can reduce fuel use or make the home warmer • Install free energy saving devices • Average of £ 400 savings per year by following the advice given

Free advice line 0800 500 3076 Email: warmandwell@severnwye. org. uk www. warmandwell. org. uk

For free presentations for staff/clients 01452 835060 Email: ruthd@severnwye. org. uk