March 2001

March 2001

Gloucestershire Energy Advice Centre

The Severn Wye Energy Agency has recently taken over the running of the Gloucestershire Energy Advice Centre (EEAC), which now operates from its Coleford Office.

The EEAC is one of a network of centres throughout the country. As well as providing DIY Home Energy Surveys, the EEAC is able to give advice on a range of home energy issues including information on discounted prices and grants for insulation measures and heating systems.

Catrin Maby, Director, Severn Wye Energy Agency said. "As an Energy Agency it is our role to stimulate the development of sustainable energy which we do through action on energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy resources. We are delighted to be able to add the EEAC services to our range of work."

Trained energy advisors Keren Price & Barbara Moreton are able to give energy advice over the phone. They are also available to give talks to groups who want to know more about saving energy and grants available. If you would like to find out more or would like a free DIY Home Energy Survey phone the Gloucestershire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre 0800 512012

Keren Price and Barbara Moreton - Energy Advisors

Energy Champions

Julie is a Champion for pensioners who are left in the cold

Couple warm to Energy scheme

Pensioners Donald and Isobel Reece are warming to a new heating system after taking advantage of the government grant scheme Homefront (formerly called HEES) that offers people on qualifying benefits grants for heating and insulation.

The couple who live in Sharpness received a visit from volunteer energy champion Julie Sherman. Mrs Sherman advised the couple on ways to save energy in the home and assisted them with applying for the grant. They are all delighted with the outcome. While the new heating system is set to save the couple money on their heating bills, Mrs Sherman will continue her home visits in the area letting people know about the Homefront scheme.

Mrs Sherman was trained as an energy advisor along with 11 other volunteers in Gloucestershire, by the Severn Wye Energy Agency. "A lot of people don't know about this scheme," she said "Its nice to have one of the first successes in Sharpness"

Severn Wye Energy Agency's project manager Kaye Welfare explained "Many people live in cold homes within Gloucestershire. This is just one of a number of projects aiming to tackle the problem by reducing health and debt problems while achieving comfort and energy savings for low income households in the county"

Anyone who wants more information about the government grants or to check if there is an energy champion in their area should phone the Gloucestershire Energy Advice Centre on 0800 512 012.