Community Wellbeing Agents are Energy Saving Champions
The Big Energy Saving Network is made up of local community groups and charities across Great Britain that can advise on energy saving in the home, switching energy suppliers, different energy tariffs and available government support to help the most vulnerable get warmer homes and lower fuel bills.
Two of GRCC's Community Wellbeing Agents in the Cotswolds, Mo and Steve, have been trained as Energy Saving Champions. Their role is to provide training to any groups or organisations who come into contact with vulnerable people who could benefit from information about energy saving and ways in which they could save money on the cost of heating their home. They can also talk to individuals directly and arrange for vulnerable people to sign up to the Priority Services Register run by the energy companies.
You can be eligible for the Priority Services Register if you:
- are of pensionable age
- are disabled or chronically sick
- have a long-term medical condition
- have a hearing or visual impairment or additional communication needs
- are in a vulnerable situation.
Help can include advance notice of planned power cuts in case you are medically reliant on your supply; priority support in an emergency; an identification scheme so you can be reassured that callers to check your meter readings, for example, are genuine; accessible information, and other assistance.
If you are based in the Cotswolds and would like to arrange for the members of your group or staff to be trained to support vulnerable people in this way, or if you know anyone who would benefit from being signed up to the Priority Services Register, get in touch with Kevin Dower here at GRCC kevind@grcc.org.uk or call 01452 528491.