Residents to receive free energy help

Energy Advisor installing draft excluders

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Over 400 households across Rochdale are set to receive individual energy saving advice and measures to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale is working in partnership with Great Places Housing Group to save residents money and improve the health and wellbeing of those living in each household.

The support offered will include suggestions to cut energy bills, tariff switching advice and available energy related benefits. Residents will also have the option to install small, energy saving measures such as draft proofing and power saving plugs.

This is the third scheme Groundwork has run across Oldham and Rochdale to address the problem of fuel poverty. A household is in fuel poverty if they spend 10% or more of their income on fuel to keep their home warm. Living in a cold home can not only increase the likelihood of ill health but also reduce life chances.

Residents who have previously benefitted from Groundwork’s support have said that there was an instant effect to their warmth with the improvements made to drafty doors. By following some simple changes such as not leaving TVs and other electrical equipment on standby, turning off lights and switching to energy saving bulbs residents can easily save up to £200 a year.

Isabel Mactague, project lead from Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale, commented: “This project will make a real difference to how residents use energy and how much they pay on their bills. Through making simple changes to everyday activities and being more aware of how energy is wasted all households can live more comfortably and pay less.”