Cut costs on bills: new energy advice service launched for North East

Households in the North East can now get free tailored energy advice for their property thanks to a new local authority-led service available across the region.

Home Energy Advice North East brings together expert advice and links to local grants and installers. Ther service provides a one stop shop for those looking to reduce their energy bills and improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

Commissioned by the North East Combined Authority and delivered by the experts at Energy Saving Trust, the service is made possible through almost £2m funding.

Across the North East, Energy Saving Trust’s partners at Groundwork North East and Cumbria and Community Action Northumberland are engaging directly with residents. This takes place at community events and in home visits, providing impartial personalised advice on the options around energy saving home improvements.

They also offer free, no-obligation home assessments and support from a qualified retrofit coordinator plus, where eligible, access to schemes which install energy efficiency measures. This element of the programme is made possible through funding from the North East and Yorkshire Net Zero Hub.

The service will work with local installers, delivery partners and charities to identify households who need support, such as those in rural or off-gas homes. This is to ensure a joined-up approach.  

In Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland specifically, expert advisors from Energy Saving Trust are available to provide over-the-phone advice to support residents.

This support will help residents make making energy saving home improvements like insulation or updating their heating system. They can also help access available funding, and signpost to local installers, making it easier for people to take action.

The Home Energy Advice North East installation service will be provided by Warmworks. It offers householders support with every step of making energy efficiency improvements to their homes, from initial assessment through to installation.

People in the North East can find information about installers, grants and more on the website. In North Tyneside, Newcastle and Northumberland, users can also create an online energy action plan for their home. This is thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Dame Norma Redfearn DBE, portfolio holder for housing and land at the North East Combined Authority and Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, said:

“Across the North East, we know our residents and their families have been impacted by rising energy prices. As a combined authority, we will do everything within our gift to support those who need it.  

“This scheme is fantastic and will help people to save money on their energy bills and make their homes run more efficiently, supporting our region’s collective ambition to meet the challenges posed by the climate emergency.

“I’d encourage any residents to take advantage of this service. Find out what support could be available to you and see how we may be able to help make your homes warmer and bills lower.”

Laura McGadie, operations director at Energy Saving Trust, said:

“Energy Saving Trust is pleased to be leading the delivery of this new joined-up approach for energy advice provision.

“This service provides easily accessible and practical support for the residents in the North East, which will play a valuable role in bringing down bills and reducing carbon emissions.”

For more information, visit the Home Energy Advice North East website or call 0808 175 9345.