A national campaign which aims to help people cut their fuel bills and direct them to sources of advice on financial support available to them is being supported by North Somerset Council.

Big Energy Saving Week runs from Monday 20 to Sunday 26 January and focuses on raising public awareness of how to switch energy supplier or tariff to get the best deal, access discounts and make homes energy efficient.

North Somerset Council’s executive member whose portfolio includes climate emergency, Cllr Bridget Petty, said: “Part of our action plan linked to the climate emergency declaration is about influencing behavioural change of our residents and how existing communities will need to adapt to achieve carbon neutrality here by 2030.

“This will include promotion of home energy efficiency and tackling fuel poverty across North Somerset. I would always encourage residents to consider switching to a green energy tariff. ”

Cllr Petty added: “We’ll also be promoting our multi-agency WHAM project (Warmer Homes, Advice and Money) which provides advice on energy, money, housing and welfare rights, as well as getting help with home repairs. And we’re updating our ‘statement of intent’ which extends the available funding under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) to help more households living in cold homes.”

The WHAM project is based in Weston Hospital targeting those being discharged.

Partners in the WHAM project include Citizens Advice, Talking Money and the Centre for Sustainable Energy; the project is part funded through the Warm Homes Fund. For free impartial advice residents are encouraged to contact the WHAM Project on 0800 082 2234/ www.cse.org.uk/referral

The Big Energy Saving Week is a partnership between Citizens Advice, the Energy Saving Trust and the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Cllr Petty added: “there’s lots of help and advice available and as well as displays in our gateways we’ll be using social media to push the messages out.”

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