Energy awareness hub has saved Swansea residents thousands say council

Hundreds of people have collectively saved thousands of pounds thanks to a Swansea Council-funded scheme to help cut household energy bills.

Swansea Environment Centre – which is delivering the service – estimates that the assistance could have helped local residents collectively save more than £36,000 a year in fuel bills through energy efficiency improvements.

It may have allowed householders to access more than £12,000 in financial support for fuel payments.

Advice has ranged from draught proofing tips and energy efficiency behaviours to guidance on the Welsh Government’s Winter Fuel Support Scheme and the UK Government’s Warm Homes Discount Scheme.

The service was launched in January with the Switched On hub offering support from former shop premises in the city centre for 15 weeks.

Since then, there have been a series of drop-in events for the public in communities across Swansea through the summer and into September.

Key discussion points have been helping residents to access fuel payment support schemes and promoting energy efficiency improvements.

Around 1,300 people have sought guidance so far.

The council and Environment Centre will now explore how the project could be expanded through the forthcoming winter to March next year, continuing to offer a city centre and community provision.

Andrea Lewis, the council’s joint deputy leader and cabinet member for service transformation, said: “I’m so pleased that our Switched On service is helping in these difficult times for household budgets.

“I thank the Environment Centre, partners and others who have helped so far.

“The council will continue to consider how best to help people in this way. As well as helping to cut peoples’ bills this service will help the council become net zero carbon by 2030 – and the city to hit the same target by 2050.”

Rhian Corcoran, manager of Environment Centre Swansea, said: “A lot of people are struggling to pay fuel bills; support is key to enable people to take action, so we’re delighted to be running the Switched On service for local people.

“Our guidance is backed by a network of experts and it can help whoever needs assistance.

“Advice includes information to all on how to better insulate homes, switch energy providers and access support on welfare rights.

“People concerned about the costs of fuel to themselves or relatives have been visiting our city centre hub or community events – or have been looking for advice on our web pages.”

Swansea Energy Awareness Hub partners and supporters have included energy network operator Western Power Distribution, the National Energy Agency, fuel poverty specialist Warm Wales, council departments, youth charity Swansea MAD, EON Energy, City Energy and Yes Energy Solutions.