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About CSE. Founded in 1979 and is one of the UK’s leading energy agencies Research & Analysis work has shaped local, regional and national programmes to alleviate fuel poverty Piloted the first telephone based energy advice service
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About CSE • Founded in 1979 and is one of the UK’s leading energy agencies • Research & Analysis work has shaped local, regional and national programmes to alleviate fuel poverty • Piloted the first telephone based energy advice service • Wealth of experience of delivering fuel poverty alleviation projects - one stop shop approach
Warming Bristol Communities • Project set up to tackle fuel poverty amongst Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities (BAME) in Bristol • Working with BAME community groups to train volunteers in the basics of energy advice • Volunteers partner with CSE advisors to deliver face to face energy advice • Working with a range of local agencies • Advocate on behalf of the householder with the fuel supplier
WISH (Warmer Improved Somerset Homes) • Project set up to alleviate fuel poverty amongst older people in rural Somerset • Fund part-time case workers who are based in two Somerset Home Improvement Agencies • Offer a ‘one-stop shop’ approach combining energy advice, benefits advice and home improvements • Deliver home visits, presentations, events and training to other professionals • Work with a range of other local agencies
Barriers • Language and cultural barriers • Limited translation services by suppliers • Literature in other languages not readily available • Lack of understanding of call centre staff • Lack of understanding of energy market • Householder’s limited of understanding of bill • Estimated vs actual • Payment options • Tariff options
Barriers • Mistrust of suppliers • Suppliers have confusing telephone systems • Difficult to speak to the same advisor twice • Barriers for advisors speaking on behalf of clients • No additional assistance when moving into a new property • Vulnerable householders experience multiple issues • Energy issues are often not in isolation • Householders respond to face to face advice from trusted sources
Case Study – Ms O • Somali single parent, does not speak English • Referred to Warming Bristol Communities by volunteer – Yusuf • Moved into a privately rented property and was receiving final reminders for money owed and didn’t understand why • WBC advisor and Yusuf completed a home visit • Large amount of debt left from previous tenant • Advisor contacted EDF who cleared debt • Householder eligible for social tariff and duel fuel discount • House was damp and un-insulated. Referred to Bristol Energy Efficiency Scheme for loft insulation
ANY QUESTIONS? Sarah Jeffrey sarah.jeffrey@cse.org.uk 0117 9341 431