Groundwork Hertfordshire’s Home Energy Audits Part of the ‘Keep Warm Stay Well’ project

1. Groundwork Hertfordshire’s Home Energy Audits Part of the ‘Keep Warm Stay Well’ project Cheryl Spain

2. Background to the project • Groundwork was chosen as one of the 8 delivery partners by Hertfordshire County Council as part of this project last year • Groundwork conducted over 400 home energy visits for vulnerable people across Herts last winter • HCC have confirmed more funding for Groundwork to continue to run home energy visits this winter, but there is a funding bid pending which would allow for more services- we’ll know more in early Nov • Visits were booked through Herts Help • Anyone eligible for a visit if they considered themselves to be suffering from the cold in their home and needed support

3. Home Energy Audits – what we did • The home energy audit covered: • Checking the type of heating system in the property and whether it was working adequately. Sometimes this included practical measures such as bleeding radiators that weren’t working. If there was not suitable heating we could refer them for emergency radiators

4. Home Energy Audits – what we did • Explaining to the resident how to use their heating/ thermostats more effectively if they didn’t already know • Checking things such as boilers if the resident wanted us to and in some cases making referrals for free boiler replacements

5. Home Energy Audits – what we did • Checking whether the property had cavity wall or loft insulation and making referrals for these if not • Checking whether the property was in need of draught proofing or radiator reflector panels

6. Home Energy Audits – what we did • Making referrals to the ‘Warm Home Discount’ scheme where energy companies give an annual £120 rebate to eligible customers • Checking whether the resident needed a Warm Pack, which were delivered by partners as part of the project

7. Home Energy Audits – what we did • Checking the residents energy bills and making recommendations on the best tarif, taking a meter reading and money saving tips • In some cases we could refer people for a grant or for debt management advice

8. Home Energy Audits – what we did • A discussion with the resident about their current energy use and giving tips and advice on energy saving ideas that will help to reduce their bills • Delivering water saving devices and tips • Referring for other support needs over the winter such as Community meals, Fire safety, falls prevention

9. Visit statistics • 407 visits completed across Hertfordshire • 66 visits in Dacorum (16% of total) • Across Hertfordshire: • 43 people received free emergency radiators • 238 people received free draught proofing • 57 people received free loft insulation • 47 people received free cavity wall insulation • 140 people referred for an emergency grant via either the Herts Community Foundation or the Energy Trust • 131 people referred for the Warm Home Discount of £120 from their energy provider

10. We hope to start the next visits in the first week of Nov • Referrals can be made NOW for this winters visits • Refer anyone who might need a visit to Herts Help: • Ph 0300 123 4044 • Email: : info@hertshelp.net