As winter tightens its grip and thermostats creep up, local charity Futureproof Cumbria is urging residents to make use of its free home energy advice service—designed to help households stay warm, healthy and reduce their bills.
Temperatures across parts of Cumbria are forecast to fall as low as –7°C this week. Combined with last month’s increase in the energy price cap, the typical household now faces an annual bill of £1,755 for gas and electricity. Futureproof Cumbria (formerly Cumbria Action for Sustainability) has helped thousands of households cut their energy costs over the past 25 years, and says acting now will help residents soften the blow of rising prices during the coldest months.
The charity’s home energy support service – previously known as Cold to Cosy Homes – offers free telephone advice to all Cumbrian residents, plus free home visits for those with long-term health conditions, low incomes, or young or older household members.
Delivered by qualified, independent local energy advisers, the service can provide free energy-saving items such as LED light bulbs, radiator foils and chimney balloons, along with tailored advice on heating systems, ventilation and energy tariffs. Between October and March, residents can also receive a free basic thermal imaging visit, showing exactly where heat is escaping from their home.
For residents in Westmorland & Furness who are facing or at risk of financial crisis, the service can additionally offer free fuel vouchers and energy-saving appliances including dehumidifiers, microwaves, air fryers and heated throws.
A lady in the Westmorland & Furness area came to them worried about rising energy bills and worsening damp and mould in her home. After a home visit, they supported her to contact her housing association about improvements and worked with her energy supplier to set up an affordable plan for her £500 debt. To ease the immediate pressure, she received a £300 fuel voucher, an electric throw, an air fryer and a dehumidifier—helping her stay warm, reduce damp and reduce her anxiety as winter sets in.
Naomi Sanderson, Project Manager at Futureproof Cumbria, said: “As the cold weather sets in and the latest price cap rise takes effect, we know many people are worried about the months ahead. Cumbria has a high number of traditional, hard-to-heat homes, and nearly 13% of households are already in fuel poverty.
We’re determined to reach as many households as we can. It’s a win-win for residents – the service is free, and it helps make homes cheaper to heat and more comfortable. Everyone, irrespective of income, is eligible for at least a telephone advice call with one of our qualified energy advisers.”
Futureproof Cumbria is encouraging people to get in touch now. Residents can access the service for themselves or on behalf of someone else online www.futureproofcumbria.org/support/ or by calling 01768 216 500.
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