Keeping Cumbria Warm. 3 rd Annual Conference 18 th January 2012

Transcription

1 Keeping Cumbria Warm 3 rd Annual Conference 18 th January 2012

2 Fuel Poverty in the Community Raising awareness for front line staff and volunteers

3 FREE Rural Energy Advice Programme ACTion with Communities in Cumbria, in partnership with National Energy Action (NEA), sponsored by Calor - Aimed at off mains gas communities - Targeted at helping people in Fuel Poverty Practical, independent advice and information for residents regarding Fuel choices, Energy efficient technologies, and Carbon reduction measures

4 Fuel Poverty - Definition Fuel Poverty exists when households need to spend more than 10% of their income on domestic fuel Government Targets: To eradicate fuel poverty in England in vulnerable households by 2010 and all households by 2016 The definition is currently under review

5 Fuel Poverty - causes and consequences Low income Energy inefficient homes High fuel costs Fuel Poverty Under occupancy Heat the home Don t heat the home Fuel Debt Condensation Ill health Housing Disrepair

6 Fuel Poverty in Cumbria

7 Indoor temperature and its effects on health C, no risk to sedentary, healthy people Below 16 C, diminished resistance to respiratory infections Below 12 C, increased blood pressure and viscosity Below 9 C, after 2 hours plus, deep body temperature falls Collins KJ (1986) Op Cit.

8 How can you help? Staff and volunteers of some organisations and community groups are in an ideal position to: Recognise when a household is struggling or at risk Refer to an appropriate source of help Friends and family Carers Social Workers Meals-on-wheels Sure Start Teachers and nursery staff Befriending service

9 Triggers What you may HEAR: The house is so cold It s terribly draughty Concern about paying fuel bills Getting into fuel debt Uses prepayment meter to avoid incurring debt Stays in one room or bed to keep warm Child / family member has persistent respiratory problems

10 Triggers What you may SEE: Severe condensation on windows Curtains kept closed to retain heat Mould stains on wall or curtains Prominence of expensive portable heaters Heating controls absent / not working / switched off Visual evidence that heating appliances are not being used e.g. dust on heating elements

11 Triggers What you may FEEL: Cold Large differences in temperatures between rooms Draughts The smell of damp

12 Solutions Energy efficient homes Properties should be adequately insulated: Loft Insulation Cavity Wall Insulation Draught proofing Energy efficient heating systems with good controls e.g. Gas condensing boilers, Programmable thermostat, and Thermostatic radiator valves Consider renewable energy options such as Solar hot water heating or Heat pumps Always seek reputable, independent advice on this.

13 Solutions Income maximisation Millions of pounds worth of benefits go unclaimed, are customers claiming the benefits they are entitled to? Benefit checks both increase incomes and passport households into grant schemes Winter fuel payments for those over 60 Cold Weather Payments Warm Home Discount for those on Pension Credit Guarantee

14 Solutions Lower fuel costs Are households using the cheapest fuel available to them? Are households on the cheapest tariffs? Are households using the cheapest suppliers? Can households join / establish a communal buying syndicate for oil or bottled LPG?

15 Solutions Using heating & appliances efficiently Using heating controls efficiently: timers and thermostats Turning appliances off when not in use Buying energy efficient lighting and electrical appliances

16 For more information about the FREE programme in Cumbria please contact: Hellen Aitken - Action with Communities in Cumbria Tel: hellenaitken@cumbriaaction.org.uk

17 CUMBRIA AFFORDABLE WARMTH PROJECT CUMBRIA WARM HOMES

18 The Project Commencing Oct 2011 Cumbria Wide Supported by E.ON Ends in Dec 2012

19 Aims & Objectives Reduce the number of fuel poor homes. Increase the numbers of insulated homes. Reduce CO2 emissions from domestic dwellings. Encourage the take up of renewable technologies.

20 Delivery Mechanisms The success of the project will rely greatly on cross co-operation between a wide range of public service providers, private business, volunteer and charitable organisations, along with quality shared communication links.

21 Practitioner Media Door Drop 3rd Sector Cumbria Warm Homes Other

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23 Click on Practitioners Area or Log In

24 HelpingU Cumbria4u

25 Click on the referrals tab

26 Complete the form with as much detail as you can.

27 Sorry but you need to fill in the techi bit Don t forget to click submit?

28 Whole House Survey Individual Energy Report Written Quotation Behavioural Advice Information Leaflets

29 We hope to be able to give you feed back on your referrals so you can see how your efforts have added to the project. There s lots more information on the site that we hope you will find useful.

30 Advice Delivery: What happens when you ring that number? Gordon Pattie Advice Contracts Manager Energy Saving Trust advice centre

31 What we do Installed measures High quality impartial advice and guidance Customer journey Deeper, longer lasting partnerships

32 The Customer Journey Information gathered Advice given Referral made Installation monitored Follow up call if required Advice quality checks

33 What happens to the info? Customer Database. Home Energy Efficiency Database Accurate picture of British insulation and renewable technologies Targeting of insulation schemes

34 Contact us Gordon Pattie Thank You

35 Age UK West Cumbria and Fuel Poverty Sarah Lord Independence & Choice Manager Reg.Charity No

36 What can we offer: Helpline Information and signposting Money Wise - e.g. benefits & income maximisation, comparisons and best deals PIPP- e.g. home assessment and equipment loan * Accident Prevention and Home Safety (APHS) e.g. energy saving measures Befriending schemes & Community Development Mental and physical well-being Trading (E-on) Competitive rates and older person perks Reg.Charity No

37 * APHS - E-ON Project Partnership with E-on to offer free energy efficiency checks in the home, helping clients to save energy and money Our Handyman offers basic information & advice and can fit small items (free of charge) such as:- -Draught excluders -Low energy light bulbs -Hot water tank covers He can also refer to Eon for loft insulation checks Reg.Charity No

38 Campaigns Partnership working Events Campaign Packs including:- - A guide to keeping well and staying warm in winter - Improving energy efficiency - A guide to claiming benefits for people over pension age - Related product and service information Access to services Evidence and a voice Reg.Charity No

39 How to Contact Age UK West Cumbria Helpline Age UK Centres Old Customs House, Whitehaven Bradbury Centre, Millom C3A, Cockermouth De Lucy, Egremont Keswick (hospital) St Michaels, Workington Wigton (hospital) Reg.Charity No