Gas emergency and pipeline service, Wales & West Utilities, has partnered with YES Energy Solutions to bring a free energy advice helpline to help people across the south west of England with their bills.
Whilst the energy cap may be coming down as we head into the summer months, fixed charges on bills remain high and the number of people in fuel poverty, struggling to afford their energy costs, remains extremely high. YES Energy Solutions has received funding which is allowing them to roll out a dedicated Greener Homes Advice Line to households across the region.
The Greener Homes Advice line is a free service, run by experts who will provide help and advice on a range of matters including energy-saving tips, help with understanding energy bills, and guidance on making homes more energy-efficient.
Gas emergency and pipeline service, Wales & West Utilities, provided nearly £500,000 funding as part of its Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA).
The two-year project is expected to reach over 4,200 customers and anticipates helping them save on average of £502 per household.
Alex Wilkes, Commercial Director at YES Energy Solutions, explains:
“We are delighted to be working with Wales & West Utilities to support people living in vulnerable situations to significantly reduce their energy costs. At YES, our mission is to alleviate fuel poverty by helping householders to improve the energy efficiency of their properties, reduce their energy use and lower their bills.
“We have existing relationships with other UK gas network operators, offering free advice and support to vulnerable and residents across a large area of the country. This extension means our service is now available across Great Britain, including customers across Wales & West Utilities region.
“The latest figures show that the number of households in fuel poverty remain at the highest level since these figures started to be recorded in 2010. Often, people simply don’t know where to turn.
“Our friendly team of experts are on hand to provide free and impartial support to anyone that is struggling with their energy costs. While many people may be turning their heating systems off as we hope for warmer months ahead, we are urging households to take action now to ensure that they’re ready for next winter, when energy use and prices will be higher.”
The Greener Homes Advice Line currently helps more than 300 people a week, who call to save energy and make their bills more affordable. The Advice Line team will also provide help and advice with funding and grants in local areas to help with home improvements such as boiler replacements, Solar PV and insulation measures to help homes become greener and more energy efficient. The team will also be distributing carbon monoxide alarms through partnerships with Fire and Rescue Services.
Carbon monoxide, known as the ‘silent killer’ because you can’t see it, smell it or taste it. It kills 50 people a year in England and Wales and hospitalises many more. In the UK, there are more than 4,000 visits to Accident and & Emergency for treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning – which can often lead to lasting neurological damage. Even low levels of exposure over an extended period can cause serious health issues, including brain injuries.
Sophie Shorney, VCMA Manager at Wales & West Utilities, said:
“We are pleased that this funding has allowed YES Energy Solutions to roll out its proven, and successful, advice line to customers across our region so that they can benefit from help and advice with everything related to energy.
“The VCMA fund allows us to work in partnership with organisations to reach more people and provide them with the help they need to ensure they receive the right support and help with their bills, to help keep them safe and warm in their own homes.”
Between April 2021 to March 2026, Wales & West Utilities has £25m to spend on projects which support consumers in vulnerable situations and raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide and keep people safe from the ‘silent killer’.
Funding is distributed through the Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA), and 75% of the money will be spent on projects relevant to Wales and south west England only, while 25% will be spent on collaborative projects with the other gas networks across the whole of the UK.
If you have a project that you think Wales & West Utilities could support, either individually or collaboratively with other gas networks, then contact Wales & West Utilities at VCMA@wwutilities.co.uk.
Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, brings energy to 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales. If you smell gas, or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, call us on 0800 111 999 straight away, and our engineers will be there to help any time of day or night.
To access, don’t hesitate to call YES Energy Solutions on 03330 914198 or text the word ADVICE to 82228.
