Published February 15, 2018 at 13:13
Now that the weather has turned colder, there are two ways you can help to keep your energy costs down and stay warm this winter.
Rossendale residents can now access a new scheme which has already saved 8,000 people living in Cheshire £2.1 million on their energy bills. Fairerpower Red Rose has been created so that residents can benefit from a local alternative to the ‘big six’ energy companies. Established in order to tackle fuel poverty in the area they keep their prices competitive. The power is supplied by OVO energy, the award-winning energy provider, and Fairerpower Red Rose is managed by the Skills and Growth Company in partnership with councils across Lancashire.
Up to 90% of people still get their energy from one of the big six energy suppliers, and 40% of energy customers have never switched supplier, meaning that many people could save money by changing their energy deal. Fairerpower Red Rose also offers one of the cheapest tariffs for pre-pay customers. The average saving is £102.81 based on estimated annual costs and they offer a hassle-free switching service. To find out if Fairerpower Red Rose could save you money call them free on 0800 408 6701, or get a quote on their website: www.fairerpower.co.uk/red-rose/
As well as switching to a cheaper energy deal, households in Rossendale who want to reduce their gas and electricity bills can get help to make their homes more energy efficient. £6m is up for grabs to enable Lancashire residents to get energy saving technology and measures in their homes to keep them warm and their bills down.
Cosy Homes in Lancashire (CHiL) provide free or subsidised boilers and insulation measures as part of a partnership between every council in Lancashire and a number of energy industry companies. The ‘not for profit’ scheme aims to help Lancashire householders to take advantage of funds to provide free or subsidised insulation and boilers. People who qualify for the funding will get the appropriate measures fitted free of charge, and people who don’t qualify for full funding may be asked for a contribution.
Applying is easy. All you have to do is get in touch with CHiL by calling them on 03306 061 488 or 01772 281180 (open 9am to 5pm) or emailing them at info@chil.uk.com They also have details on their website: www.chil.uk.com CHiL will guide you through the application process and if the scheme can assist you they will arrange for a free survey of your property to confirm what can be done.
Councillor Barbara Ashworth, Portfolio Holder for Health and Housing said:
Rising energy costs can mean that people are worried about putting the heating on when the cold weather arrives, but schemes like Fairerpower Red Rose allow people to access cheaper energy deals and make their money go further. If you haven’t changed energy supplier for some time, the scheme may be able to save you money and reduce your energy bills. Cosy Homes in Lancashire is also helping people to make their homes more energy efficient, so that when they do put the heating on their homes stay warmer for longer. If you feel your home could benefit from energy efficiency improvements, I would encourage you to contact the CHiL team to see how they can help you.
Please be aware that Lancashire Trading Standards has received information that people are knocking on doors claiming to be working in co-operation with the council. The traders are offering “free” roofing work and cavity wall insulation and claim that residents should have received a letter from the council. This is not the case. Trading Standards would advise everyone to be vigilant and check out the authenticity of anyone who comes knocking on doors by contacting the council or organisation involved directly using a number that you know is a genuine telephone number for that organisation.
For information on this call Andy Cooke on (01772) 532144