What is the Energy Advice Project?
The Energy Advice Programme provides one-to-one advice for people in fuel poverty, or in a fuel poverty risk group who have an energy problem.
What is Fuel Poverty?
People who are on a low income and/or vulnerable, and therefore in or at risk of fuel poverty, includes people who fall into one or more of the following categories:
- Those spending >10% of net monthly income on utilities
- Those on low incomes
- Those in receipt of DLA/PIP, JSA, ESA or Universal Credit
- Those with a disability/long term sickness
- Those of pensionable age
- Those with dependent children
What is on offer?
An EAP appointment provides tailored advice that helps deal with energy related issues such as:
- Understanding tariffs, bills and fuel options
- Advice, information and support in understanding selling methods, switching energy suppliers or tariffs, including carrying out a comparison to identify any financial savings a client may make
- Providing advice on energy efficiency measures, thermal efficiency measures, and identifying grants available including ECO
- Providing benefit entitlement checks and/or assistance in claiming benefits This includes checks for eligibility and applications for Warm Home Discount (WHD), rebates available from energy suppliers and the Priority Services Register
- Support with complaints or customer service issues with an energy company
- Advice on dealing with and reducing fuel debt, including accessing financial support to pay off fuel debts through charitable grants, and ongoing payment plans. This is aimed at giving clients long-term relief from fuel poverty.
- Referrals for further specialist advice within the local office, for example specialist debt advice, or referrals to other organisations for additional support
How do I make a referral?
Contact us via any of our general support services and we will explore your situation and if appropriate make a referral for you.
