In 2023, as the energy and cost-of-living crises took hold, Burnham & Weston Energy CIC launched a free, expert one-to-one Home Energy Saving Advice service. Over the past two years, the relentless rise in living costs has significantly impacted our local communities, making this service more crucial than ever.

About the service

This Home Energy Saving Advice service provides direct access to qualified energy advisers who offer personalised energy support right in the home. Our advisors have helped people use energy more efficiently, resolved issues with reading and paying bills, installed energy-saving measures like LED bulbs and draught excluders, and connected people to grants for insulation, new boilers, and appliances.

Burnham & Weston Energy’s advisors have also ensured people are accessing benefits to which they are entitled, provided debt and money advice, and supported access to funding for bigger energy efficiency improvements. Importantly, this service is completely independent, impartial, and free of charge, focusing on creating warmer, more comfortable living conditions while tackling the root causes of fuel poverty head-on.

A Year of Success and Savings

In its first year, the Home Energy Saving Advice service has made a substantial impact across Sedgemoor, Somerset West & Taunton, and North Somerset. The service continues to expand. Here’s a snapshot of our impact in numbers so far, from March 2023 to February 2024.

Impact of advice
Impact of measures

“How extremely helpful Maria was in pointing out things that needed doing, being organised by getting in touch with the fire service for smoke alarm and CM alarms. It was great receiving the air fryer and have found it marvellous, and I will cook everything in it. She went through everything like curtains and doors, draught excluders and light bulbs were very useful. Many Thanks.” – North Newton resident

“Maria explained the energy usage, switched energy providers and now have Direct Debit setup. The advice has taken a lot of stress [away] and happy to recommend. Having a new cooker and fridge freezer has made a lot of difference.” – Sedgemoor resident

This service is made possible through our partnership with the Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP). LEAP funds the service, which is available to all types of householders—homeowners, private renters, and social housing tenants—allowing Burnham & Weston Energy to support those in, or at risk of, fuel poverty.

The service is available at no cost to eligible residents in Sedgemoor, West Somerset, Taunton, and North Somerset. To qualify, at least one household member must be receiving benefits, or the household income must be below £31,000.

For more information about Burnham & Weston Energy CIC or our Home Energy Saving please click here, or take a look at our leaflet which provides more information.