Press release: New resources available to help residents cut energy use and stay warm this winter

Local social enterprise Low Carbon Hub has released a ‘Warmer Winter Checklist’ to help residents across Oxfordshire keep warm this winter in the face of increasing energy costs. The handy guide provides lots of tips and resources to help people save energy whilst keeping their homes warm and healthy.

Spiralling energy costs are a concern for all of us. But for people already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, the rising cost of electricity and gas will leave many with stark choices to make this winter.

The government’s pledge to cap the average bill and provide support via the Energy Bills Support Scheme will give a temporary respite for some, but people are still experiencing a doubling of energy costs over the last twelve months.

Young families, tenants in private rental properties, and people in old or poorly insulated homes are among the many millions at greatest risk of fuel poverty. Many will face difficult choices – choosing between heating their home, feeding their children, or paying rent. 

Around 8,500 winter deaths are caused by cold homes, and those in fuel poverty are more at risk of poor physical and mental health. 

Low Carbon Hub aim for their Warmer Winter Checklist to help households make simple, and often low- or no-cost, changes that could cut their energy use, saving them money on their energy bills whilst retaining a warm home.

Low Carbon Hub has been operating in Oxfordshire for over a decade installing community-owned renewable energy projects and helping homes and businesses reduce their energy demand. In response to the energy crisis currently facing residents, they have launched a Crowdfunder to help support people across Oxfordshire experiencing fuel poverty. They are aiming to raise £15,000. The money raised will fund a Home Energy Advisor and Energy Champions to go out into the community and offer free energy advice to residents at community events.

Saskya Huggins, Social Impact Director at the Low Carbon Hub said:

“Spiralling energy costs means winter is going to be particularly difficult for many people. By providing practical advice on everything from understanding the energy cap, to where to go for the support they are entitled to, we can help more people afford the energy they need. More efficient homes also help reduce the pressure on precious energy supplies, which is good for people, and good for the planet.

The response to the Crowdfunder so far has been brilliant and we’ve already over halfway. However, we’d love more people, who feel able to help, to donate.”

To support the Crowdfunder visit: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/warmerwinter

Get your copy of the Warmer Winter Checklist.