Published February 19, 2020 at 16:46
Rossendale Council is taking action on fuel poverty to provide eligible residents with little or no cost insulation and brand new A-rated boilers.
The Council’s Affordable Warmth Grant provides funding for first-time central heating, boiler upgrades, radiator repairs and gas fire replacements.
The scheme is managed by award-winning Community Interest Company YES Energy Solutions on behalf of the Council.
Installations are completed through YES Energy Solutions’ network of accredited contractors.
One local person who has benefitted from the available funding is Katie Crossley. The single widowed mum-of-two was facing a winter with a completely broken boiler.
She said:
My heating had caput and I didn’t have the money to put into a new boiler.
Katie and her sons aged 11 and 16, were referred on to Rossendale Council and YES Energy Solutions.
She added:
Michaela from YES Energy Solutions was so informative. She could hear on the day I spoke to her that I just didn’t know what to do; it was minus three in the house – no hot water, no heating, nothing.
She was straight onto it, she was an absolute star. I really do feel like she saved my life at the time.
Katie’s new A-rated gas boiler was installed the day before Christmas Eve.
She said:
The Costa del Crossley we call it now! It’s the little things that make a difference like turning the tap on and having hot water and not having to boil four kettles to wash the pots. That was a real low point for me.
I have already recommended the scheme to two people. From the whole process on the day I rang to before Christmas Eve, I can’t say enough thanks.
There are different levels of funding available depending on individual circumstances, which includes receiving means tested benefits or having high-energy bills in relation to their income.
Residents that are either elderly have a young family, or a health condition made worse by the cold, could also qualify.
The Government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme is providing additional funds to the scheme for certain residents.
Councillor Alyson Barnes, Leader of Rossendale Council, said:
This is a brilliant good news story and just one example of the difference this scheme can make. We are committed to supporting householders with high energy bills to provide energy efficiency grants.
Councillor Steve Hughes, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Customers, said:
By providing funding and support in the scheme, we are helping our residents stay warm this winter whilst making their fuel bills more affordable and reducing carbon emissions.
Residents who feel they may qualify for the scheme are advised to call YES Energy Solutions on: (01422) 880100.