Council offering energy advice to residents
As the country braces itself for increased energy costs, Dudley Energy Advice Line (DEAL) is offering advice and support to anyone who lives in Dudley borough.
The Dudley Council service, which employs a team of eight energy advisors, receives more than 2,000 enquiries every year from people seeking help with energy bills and debt and advice on how to lower your energy bill.
Handy tips on how to reduce energy consumption, such as using shorter washing machine cycles, switching off any devices not in use and only boiling the water needed in a kettle, can be found online -https://www.dudley.gov.uk/residents/housing/housing-advice-information-and-support/dudley-energy-advice-line/
Those who are coming off a set tariff are best to go onto their provider’s standard variable tariff as most of the fixed price tariffs are uneconomical. The DEAL team also recommends that households use a smart meter wherever possible, to help people track their energy consumption and avoid going into debit with energy bills.
Central government recently confirmed that those living in houses in council tax bands A to D, will receive a £150 discount from their annual council tax bill and all households will be given a £200 discount directly from their energy provider.
Councillor Laura Taylor-Childs, cabinet member for housing, said:
More than 23,000 people in Dudley borough are already at risk of fuel poverty and we know the increasing energy bills could push this figure up to as many as 30,000
Our energy advisors are on hand to offer help and advice but the most important thing we are saying today is that anyone who is struggling to pay their energy bills should get in contact with their provider immediately.
We are waiting for detailed information from the government on the support measures coming into place to help people face the rising energy costs and we will release more information to residents and tenants as soon as we can.
Privately rented households should provide heating systems to a set standard. Private tenants with concerns about their heating systems or insulation should get in touch with their landlord.
Grants are available to eligible owner occupiers for heating and insulation. People can find out more by calling the Dudley Energy Advice Line (DEAL) on 01384 817086.