Event held to help householders cut their energy bills

Users of Camborne’s Foodbank have been given advice to help them to take control of their energy bills.

Cornish charity Community Energy Plus joined forces with the CPR Foodbank to host a drop-in event to provide information out about grants and initiatives to help householders enjoy warmer homes, and to give advice on tariff switching and how to save energy and further reduce their bills.

The event was held as part of the national annual Warm Homes Campaign, which is organised by the charity National Energy Action. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the problem of fuel poverty and some of the solutions available for those struggling to heat their homes affordably.

In Cornwall fuel poverty currently affects 14 per cent of all households, which is above the average in England of ten per cent. A household is classed as being in fuel poverty when its fuel costs are above the national average and if they were to spend that amount, the money they are left with would tip them below the official poverty line.

Local MP George Eustice, who attended the event, said: “It was good to catch up with Community Energy Plus and learn more about the important work they are doing across Cornwall to help householders enjoy warmer, healthier homes and lower energy bills.

"I’m pleased that they are teaming up with the CPR Foodbank and other local organisations to ensure that they reach deep into communities to provide advice and practical help to those who need it most.”

Laura Tregonning, senior project manager at Community Energy Plus, said: “Rising energy costs are a major concern for low income households but we’re keen to help people reduce their bills so that they’re not forced to make tough decisions between heating and eating.

"We encourage anyone struggling to heat their home adequately not to suffer in silence but to get in touch with us to find out about the support available to them.”

Householders can access free advice from Community Energy Plus to help them reduce their energy bills by calling the charity on freephone 0800 954 1956.