A new community-based service, launching next month, will help residents who are at risk of fuel poverty or struggling to afford to heat and power their homes.
The new service will help Ceredigion residents tackle domestic energy issues, giving practical energy-saving advice and supporting people needing urgent help with fuel debt or facing difficulties with their energy supplier.
The service is being delivered by sustainability charity Severn Wye Energy Agency following a successful bid for funding from the Energy Redress Scheme.
Severn Wye’s experienced team of advisers is used to dealing with a wide range of issues, as Victoria Bancroft, the charity’s Communities Manager, explained:
Our team can check and explain energy statements and advise on ways to manage debt or reduce large energy bills. During a home visit, they can talk through the many simple yet effective ways that people can save energy in their home – at no or low cost – which can make a big difference to daily living. Our advisers can also speak to energy suppliers on customers’ behalf, for example to resolve billing errors, arrange for smart meter fitting, and to establish affordable repayment plans.
Victoria added:
Fuel poverty remains a daily challenge for many in Wales, and the latest statistics show that the problem is increasing. We know from our work in other parts of Wales, it can be impossible for some people to manage their energy use, often because of the complexity of the issues they face with their supplier, and this is where our expert community-based advisers can step in. We aim to give residents the knowledge and confidence to be able to heat their homes affordably and sustainably.
We’re looking forward to working with existing and new partners to reach the people who need help.
Severn Wye will be offering pop-up information events, small group talks, telephone consultations, and face-to-face meetings via arranged appointments. Community-based advisers can also visit people in their homes to give site-specific domestic energy advice. They will also signpost and refer clients to other organisations if their needs extend beyond energy.
Getting help
Anyone living in Ceredigion who has problems with their domestic energy supply or bills can benefit from the service. People needing support should email Severn Wye in the first instance on communityadvice@severnwye.org.uk
or call 0800 170 1600
Referring people for help
Partner organisations are invited to find out more about the service by attending the launch event on 5 December at Ceredigion Museum, Aberystwyth. Tickets here
Partners can also refer their clients for help using this referral form.
Request for local pop-up venues
Severn Wye is asking front line staff working in the community to help by providing space at their premises for pop-up events, or by setting up appointments for Severn Wye advisers with existing service users.
Empowering Ceredigion through Community-based Energy Advice is funded until May 2026 and is provided to clients free of charge.
