Severn Wye Energy Agency Warm & Well Ruth Davey Partnerships Coordinator Email: warmandwell@severnwye.org.uk

Severn Wye Energy Agency Not for profit organisation Registered educational charity Work with schools, businesses, communities and households

Warm and Well Helps people to stay warm and healthy at home Recognises links between fuel poverty, poor health and energy efficiency Works with community, CCG and other health related organisations and local authorities

Fuel Poverty – What is it? “The condition of being unable to afford to keep one's home adequately heated” Old calculation: spending more than 10% of residual household income on heating, lighting and energy New calculation: “Low Income High Costs” This new definition states that a household is said to be in fuel poverty if: They have required fuel costs that are above average (the national median level), and Were they to spend that amount they would be left with a residual income below the official poverty line.

Identifying fuel poverty Observable Asthma or wheezing Home cold/ draughty/ partial heating Damp smells Evidence only parts of house in use Housing in poor condition/ mould/ rot Occupants unhappy – depression, fatigue, upset children Obesity/malnutrition Occupants wearing lots of clothes indoors Stay in bed more to keep warm/hot water bottle Use of supplementary heating Curtains closed during day time

Solutions Measures Behaviour change Maximise income Check tariff Switch provider I think you can cover the visits information pretty well now!

Switching If haven’t switched for 1 year or more, it is highly likely that paying too much Ensure on cheapest tariff available through supplier Use an OFGEM accredited price comparison site e.g. www.energyhelpline.com/severwyeenergy Information online or by telephone Call our advice line 0800 500 3076 Have a recent bill to hand

Warm Home Discount £140 discount off this winter of gas or electricity bill One-off discount between October and April Not offered by all energy suppliers Qualify if on 10 July 2016 all of the following applied: Name (or partner’s) was on the bill Get Pension Credit May get if on a low income/means-tested benefits Check with supplier

Priorities Service Register Provided by fuel suppliers and Distribution Network Operators if: State pension age Disabled or suffering from a chronic illness Have a visual or hearing impairment Free services: Password scheme Bills available in large print and Braille as well as talking bills Meter reading service Meters moved to an accessible location for free Priority in an emergency, this could include providing alternate heating and cooking facilities in the event of disconnection Free annual gas safety check

Warm & Well advice line Free and impartial Tips for saving energy and staying warm Free home visit Access to grants – cavity wall and loft insulation, boiler replacements Links to a local installers and tradespeople Switching energy tariffs and suppliers

Home visits Free Survey whole house to look for any areas where the can reduce fuel use or make the home warmer Install free energy saving devices Average of £400 savings per year by following the advice given I think you can cover the visits information pretty well now!

Free advice line 0800 500 3076 Email: warmandwell@severnwye.org.uk www.warmandwell.org.uk

For free presentations for staff/clients 01452 835060 Email: ruthd@severnwye.org.uk