Solihull Council is highlighting the number of ways residents can reduce their fuel bills, keep warm, and make their homes more energy efficient as part of Energy Savers Week.
The week-long national initiative takes place between Monday 20 January and Sunday 26 January 2025 and aims to share advice to help people manage their energy bills.
Rising energy bills mean there’s never been a better time to consider what changes you can make in your own home to save energy, from small activities such as turning down your thermostat or draught proofing, to more expensive measures such as investing in insulation or renewable technologies which could save you money in the long term.
As well as lowering energy bills, saving energy can also help residents take practical steps to reduce their carbon footprint and tackle climate change.
In Solihull, eligible residents can apply for free or discounted home energy efficiency measures such as heat pumps, insulation and solar panels. Schemes include the Home Upgrade Grant (Phase 2) which ends on 31 January, ECO Scheme, Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Residents could also receive help towards their energy costs and support with utilities debt through the Household Support Fund. Eligible pensioners can also receive extra support via Age UK including a £200-300 fuel payment.
Full details of all schemes – as well as information on how to improve your home’s energy efficiency – are available on Your Future Solihull, the Council’s climate change and sustainability campaign, at www.solihull.gov.uk/your-future-solihull/energy-housing.
Solihull Council's Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Planning, Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, said:
“Saving energy at home is not only great for your wallet, but it’s also a brilliant way to cut your home’s carbon emissions and take action on climate change given homes are responsible for almost a quarter of all of Solihull’s emissions.
“Our environment is so important, but it needs our help. There have been more floods, fires and other extreme weather occur more often around the world recently, and these events can be worsened by climate change.
“Looking at how we use energy and the type of energy we use as we move away from reliance on fossil fuels is one way to help, as is making our homes more energy efficient – and that also bring other benefits such as warmer homes in the winter.
“We’ve revamped our Your Future Solihull pages to include a dedicated section for energy and housing and encourage residents to take a look at the advice and information on offer.”
Residents can also get in touch with Act on Energy for free and impartial advice on how to make their home more energy efficient on 0800 988 2881 or advice@actonenergy.org.uk.
There is a range of further advice and help available for residents to keep homes warm, reduce energy usage and save money on the Council’s Here2Help page.