Carers Manage Energy Too!

With the recent major hikes in energy prices family carers may be wondering how they are going to be able to afford to keep warm in the winter.  We are aware that many family carers have had little opportunity to earn a great deal and may find this particularly difficult.  Here are some ideas to consider.

Energy Conservation

Conserving energy is another expression for reducing the need for energy, which can lead to reducing energy expenditure.  The Energy Saving Trust has some very useful information on energy saving.  To visit it click here.

In addition, Southern Electric produce a very useful guide on how to reduce your energy consumption.  To access it click here.

Securing the Best Energy Price

If your budget is tight you might like to compare prices from energy suppliers.  All prices are either available online or by phone.  You can use a switching service - for example uSwitch, Money Supermarket or Energywatch but it will be helpful too to look at all the tariffs offered by each supplier.

Fuel Poverty

A household is said to be in fuel poverty if it needs to spend more than 10% of its income on fuel to maintain a satisfactory heating regime (usually 21 degrees for the main living area, and 18 degrees for other occupied rooms). Fuel poverty is caused by the interaction of a number of factors, but three specifically stand out. These are:

• The energy efficiency status of the property.
• The cost of energy
• Household income.

If you consider that you are in fuel poverty, visit the Department of Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) where this is addressed.  If you need help, click here.

Need a Grant?

The Eaga Partnership operate an energy saving grant scheme for England, on behalf of DEFRA, known as Warm Front.  To access information on it click here.

Renewable Energy

The use of renewable energy can help substantially; however, it needs investment from the property owner.  Grants of £2,500 towards the cost are available under the Low Carbon Homes Programme, providing the work is completed by June 2010.  For more information click here.