Community organisations come together to keep Surrey residents warm

High energy prices and the rising cost of living have made more people worry about their energy bills and how to keep warm this winter. This is a challenge across the UK. But in Surrey, local communities are linking up to help reach residents across Surrey to get the advice and support they need.

This autumn, we have seen a growing partnership between local community organisations who want to help Surrey residents save energy, save money and stay warm. Thanks to funding from UK Power Networks and Surrey County Council (SCC), Surrey Climate Commission is coordinating the Home Energy Advice Team Plus (HEAT+) project, which aims to reach over a thousand Surrey residents through talks and events, and deliver 60+ in-depth home visits. The project builds on and supports the successful Home Energy Advice Team (HEAT) project which is delivered by Zero Carbon Guildford and funded by SCC.

The real strength of the HEAT Plus project lies in the range of community groups involved. We have home energy champions from Circular Dorking, Energy Action Redhill & Reigate, Surrey Climate Commission and Zero Carbon Guildford. We have given talks to Haslemere Green Group, Weybridge Women’s Institute, Woking Warm Hub, Egham Eco Fair, Age Concern Redhill and many more. We have been humbled by the number of grass-roots voluntary groups, and the sheer passion and energy of local activists and volunteers.

There are a number of grants available to households for energy efficiency measures, and there is support for people in fuel poverty, but often these services are difficult for the most isolated or vulnerable Surrey residents to access. The move away from local offices, the growth of on-line application forms, and the fear of scams has not helped. This is where a trusted, local approach works well. Residents are more likely to trust an established local charity or voluntary organisation, and the local organisations have a good understanding about their local area and what support is available locally. I hope to see HEAT Plus grow and engage more of our local voluntary groups to help Surrey residents.

Paul was a very good speaker, very relaxed and he gave good answers to questions. It was probably one of the best talks that we have ever had.

If you would like to join the team of energy champions, or to find out more about HEAT Plus, please contact Cat (cat@surreyclimate.org.uk) or Anna (anna.jolley@zerocarbonguildford.org).