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ENERGY SAVING TIPS TO SAVE MONEY – The UK government has launched a new public information campaign to highlight simple, no or low-cost actions that will cut down on energy use and bills – ones that are not already adopted by the majority of households but can offer significant financial savings this winter, without reducing comfort or putting people’s health at risk. The new campaign promotes the government’s top recommended actions to help households save money on their energy bills, including (but not limited to):
• Reducing the temperature a boiler heats water to before it is sent to radiators (known as the boiler flow temperature) from 75⁰C to 60⁰C
• Turning off appliances at the plug
• Reducing heating loss from the property, such as by draught-proofing windows and doors
Visit the government’s website for further detail on how these energy saving actions and more can add up to big savings. #ItAllAddsUp

ENERGY HELP SCHEMES, GRANTS AND BENEFITS – you may be eligible to support from an energy help scheme, grant or benefit depending upon your circumstance. Uswitch have created a helpful tool to highlight the different support you can get and how to check if you are eligible.

ENERGY SAVING TRUST – with energy bills rising, the Energy Saving Trust have put together this advice to help reduce your energy bill.

POTTON WARM SPACES – Please visit Warm Spaces for more information on Potton’s Warm Spaces offering this winter.

OTHER WARM SPACES – Central Bedfordshire Council is creating a network of ‘Warm Spaces’ across Central Bedfordshire, which residents can use during the day to keep warm as temperatures fall and energy prices rise.

The council’s libraries and leisure centres are available as Warm Spaces, where everyone is welcome.  Four of its six leisure centres have cafes available for people to use, and libraries offer free WiFi and access to public computers, as well as seating so people can enjoy time with a book.  You are welcome to take your own food and drink to the libraries.  You can find your nearest Warm Space online at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/warm-spaces.

COFFEE MORNINGS AT POTTON LIBRARY – Stay warm this winter, call in for coffee, chat and a warm up.  Each Friday from 10am to midday.  Remember you can call in and warm up anytime the library is open.  Find opening times by visiting www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk./libraries

HELP WITH HOME IMPROVEMENTS – Central Bedfordshire Council has funding available to help low-income households make their homes warmer, more energy efficient and therefore cheaper to run.  If your annual gross household income is less than £30,000 and your property has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G you could be eligible for funding.  Apply online before the end of December 2022 at www.bedfordshire-applications.co.uk or call City Energy on 02921 680951.

ENERGY SAVING TIPS – The following energy saving tips might be helpful:
* Avoid using your tumble dryer if you can
* Change to LED bulbs which are energy efficient and cost less to run
* Don’t overfill your kettle – just boil the water you need and descale it regularly
* Shower instead of having a bath and set a shower timer or use a water saving shower head
* Wash a full load in your washing machine or dishwasher, use eco-cycles and wash lightly used clothes at 30°C.
* Don’t leave your devices on standby, turn them off at the plug
* A microwave, slow cooker or air fryer might be more energy efficient than the oven
* Turn down radiators when rooms aren’t in use and reduce your boiler flow temperature
* Keep the heat inside by closing your curtains, draught proofing your doors and windows and insulating your loft. If you are a tenant, you should contact your landlord if your loft is not insulated or needs better insulated.
For more energy saving tips, visit www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-advice-households/actions-saving-energy.