05-12-2008

    Saving energy at home

    Get advice on saving evergy at home
    Simple and easy tips to save energy at home
    Making your home warm and cheap to run
    Communal heating
    Whiston and Goldsmiths 'Greener Estates' Initiative
    Useful contacts

    Get advice on saving evergy at home

    Light bulbs

    Pop into your local Neighbourhood Office this May and get advice on saving energy at home. Also, get a FREE energy saving lightbulb to help get you on the road to being more energy efficient.

    Simple and easy tips to save energy at home

    These tips and simple and easy - you will be surprised how small actions add up to substantial savings.
    • Use energy saving light bulbs. Just one can save you £100 over the lifetime of the bulb - and they last up to 12 times longer than ordinary lightbulbs.
    • A dripping hot water tap wastes energy and in one week wastes enough hot water to fill half a bath, so make sure they're fully turned off!
    • Only boil as much water as you need.
    • If you're not filling up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, use the half-load or economy programme.
    • Always turn electrical appliances off - don't leave them on standby and remember not to leave appliances on charge unnecessarily.
    • Turn off the lights when you leave a room and adjust curtains and blinds to let in as much light as possible.
    • Wring out or spin dry really wet washing before tumble drying - you will save money and it dries faster.

    Making your home warm and cheap to run

    Heating your home can be costly, but it is a necessity. There are a number of grants and interest free loans available to help you cover the costs of heating your home and improving your energy efficiency.

    Communal heating

    Some of our residents benefit from communal heating systems. If you are in this situation, your heating costs are calculated by dividing the cost of heating services by the number of households using them (varied according to the size of the dwelling). This charge is then added to your rent.
    If you have any queries you can contact your Neighbourhood Housing Office

    Whiston and Goldsmiths 'Greener Estates' Initiative

    Residents on the Whiston and Goldsmith Estate in Hackney are pioneering the way for other residents in the borough, taking part in the Hackney Homes ‘Green Estate’ programme.
    This innovative pilot programme, also supported by London Energy Efficiency, Hackney Council and energy supplier npower, is looking at how ‘green’ the estate can be and helping residents to reduce their carbon footprint. It is addressing energy consumption, recycling, transport and innovations such as solar heating.
    The programme was launched on Saturday (12th July 2008) at a fun day on the estate, giving residents the chance to learn more about how they can save energy and get involved in the programme.
    The residents on the estate receive a free electricity monitor and two energy saving light bulbs supplied by npower. The real time displays npower has supplied to Hackney Homes will help residents make thinking about saving energy part of their daily routine. The monitors help to better understand how much energy and money can be saved through simple actions such as not leaving appliances on standby, turning lights off and washing at lower temperatures.
    They also receive tips about how they can reduce their energy usage from London Energy Efficiency and Hackney Homes who, over the next year, will be monitoring usage and bills to see the impact of material changes to the estates. Residents will also be learning about climate change and looking at more sustainable transport and options for the estate.
    Further information about the Green Estates initiative will be updated on this page in the coming months.

    Who can I contact?

    The Energy Saving Trust
    www.est.org.uk (opens in a new window)
    The Energy Saving Trust provides impartial advice and information as well as grants to encourage the most efficient use of energy in our homes and vehicles. Their consumer programme offers grants, advice and online tools to calculate your energy efficiency.
    Eaga Partnership
    www.eaga.co.uk (opens in a new window)
    Apply online for Warm Front Grant up to £1500 towards insulation for most people on benefits, and Warm Front Plus Grant up to £2500 towards central heating for benefit recipients aged over 60
    Independent watchdog for gas and electricity consumers
    www.energywatch.org.uk (opens in a new window)
    The independent watchdog for gas and electricity consumers, Energy Watch can provide free and impartial advice. They may event be able to help you take up your case if you feel you are being treated unfairly by your gas or electricity supplier. They can also help you find the cheapest energy supplier in your area.
    Age Concern Hackney
    www.ageconcernhackney.org.uk (opens in a new window)
    Age Concern Hackney promotes the well-being of the elderly in Hackney and supports them in making later life a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. Visit the website to find out about the Coldline Project, where people can make self referrals via email and find out more about local support available in the borough.
    Age Concern Hackney Coldline Project emergency winter phone line 0207 241 2299.
    Energy Efficiency Helpline
    You can call the helpline on 0845 727 7200
    Will energy companies help?
    Some energy suppliers offer extra help for those in need such as discounts on your bill. You can call your supplier or visit their website to find out more.
    What is the greenest energy available?
    GreenPrices can provide you with information about renewable energy, including contact details for companies that offer green energy and the price of this energy.