Energy Saving Advice
You may be able to reduce your future electricity bills by efficient use of electricity or insulating your home. All electricity suppliers must have a code of practice on using electricity efficiently. If you ask for it, the electricity supplier must also arrange for you to receive free of charge, from a suitably qualified person, advice on:
- preventing heat loss from the home
- choosing electricity heating systems and controls
- using a electricity heating system efficiently
- organisations which may be able to give further advice, training and other services
- sources of possible financial help for any work which would improve the efficient use of electricity
Local Government Resources
The links below are for the information that is given by local district councils:
- North
East Derbyshire District Council
For free impartial advice on energy efficiency measures contact North East Derbyshire District Council's Energy Advice Centre on 01246 212690
- Bolsover
District Council
The District of Bolsover, Sherwood Lodge, Bolsover, Derbyshire,
S44 6NF
Tel: 01246 242237
Fax: 01246 242424
If you are outside of these areas, your own district council should also have similar information available.
Other Useful Links
- Energywatch
Energy information, along with details on how to make complaints about energy companies - Energy Saving Trust
The Energy Saving Trust focuses on delivering practical solutions for households, small firms and the road transport sector - solutions which save energy and deliver cleaner air - Home Heat Helpline
Free and confidential advice that will help you manage your fuel bills. - Keep
Warm Keep Well
Guides on the imprtance of keeping your house warm during the winter months - National Energy Action
The National Energy Action develops and promotes energy efficiency services to tackle the heating and insulation problems of low-income households - Switch with Which?
Compares various organisations to chech if its worth switching in order to save money. Information on tour operators, mobile phones, current accounts and energy suppliers. - uSwitch
Search, Switch and Save. Compare all the suppliers and switch to the best deal today. uSwitch costs you nothing and saves you money. - UK Power
Resources for saving money on power costs, including a comparison service for both domestic use and businesses
Energy Efficiency FAQs
I am aged 70 and find it hard to heat my house during the winter. The problem is that I do not have heaters in every room.
If you own your home or rent it from a private landlord, then there may be some help available. You need to be in receipt of means tested or disability benefits. You may get a grant to pay for extra heating or in some cases the cost of central heating. We may be able to refer you to the Warm Front Scheme.
We have adequate heating at home but it costs a lot. Is there anything that can be done?
Quite a lot of heat is generated in the house goes straight out to heat the street! If your house is properly insulated you will notice that your house is warmer and you may then be able to turn the thermostat down. If you have children aged under 16 and receive a means tested benefit or you are disabled or chronically sick or you are over 60, then a grant may be available to help with insulation. Contact NEDCAB to see if you can be referred to the Warm Front Scheme.
How can I cut down on my heating costs if I do not qualify for a grant?
You could think about cavity wall insulation, loft insulation or hot water jackets. Other simple measures can be effective, eg. putting reflective foil on the wall beind radiators, making sure that curtains or furniture do not cover radiators and putting a shelf over radiators that are under a window, so that heat circulates.
Also look for efficient ways of paying your bills such as using the cheapest tariff for electricity or paying gas using a payment method that offers a discount.
I have had my electricity cut off. I am in receipt of income based jobseekers allowance and cannot afford the reconnection charge. What can I do?
In some cases a crisis loan can be obtained to meet the reconnection charge. You would have to agree to your ongoing electricity charges coming straight out of your benefit. You would also have to satisfy the Benefits Agency that you have absolutely no other way of meeting the expense.
Last updated: April 13, 2007