FAMILIES REMOVED FROM ‘FUEL POVERTY’ DESPITE SOARING ENERGY PRICES

MORE than 500 families suffering from “fuel poverty” in one English county has had their financial outlook greatly improved in just five months.

A new energy saving campaign - which is primarily an economic and social one – across Shropshire has produced an environmental benefit too because of the big reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

‘Fuel poverty’ is defined as a family who spend more than a tenth of their income on heating. In Shropshire, there are 20,000 such families, so the Keep Shropshire Warm campaign set out last autumn to reduce the fuel costs in their homes through simple energy efficiencies.  

Already, more than 500 of those families have been removed from ‘fuel poverty’, while another 1,500 households have benefited. The energy now being saved by those 2,000 families alone this year is the equivalent of cutting out more than 350 flights around the world.

Steve Winmill, project manager of Keep Shropshire Warm, said: “At a time when fuel costs are going through the roof for everyone in Britain – not just the poorest people – this is a superb result.  And the bonus of reducing harmful carbon emissions makes it doubly beneficial.”

Cavity wall and loft insulation is free under the campaign for homeowners and private tenants who are on benefits.  People aged over 70 get insulation free as well, while other households can get discounts of up to £250.

Among the most common energy efficient measures to cut heating costs are:

v     Putting ‘Seal’ window seals on where there isn’t double glazing

v     Installing radiator and wall panels where there is no cavity wall to be filled

v     Using thicker curtains or other draught excluders and proofing strips on windows, doors and letterbox

v     Setting the heating thermostat on the best level – 18-21 degrees

v     Checking out the best local energy tariff – available on Keep Shropshire Warm’s website www.keepshropshirewarm.org.

For more information visit the website or call the Keep Shropshire Warm team on 01743 277123.

*Keep Shropshire Warm – a Defra-funded project run in conjunction with the Shropshire Partnership - is managed by the Action Heat Team of the Marches Energy Agency based at The Pump House, Coton Hill, Shrewsbury SY1 2DP. 

Web: www.keepshropshirewarm.org. 

Email: info@keepshropshirearn.org. 

Telephone: 01743 277123