Neighbourhood Energy Action scheme is launched (15th March 2008)

Doncaster Council has launched a new scheme – Neighbourhood Energy Action. 

Doncaster Council were successful in their bid to fund 5 Neighbourhood Energy Officers to conduct an area based customer facing approach to deliver a holistic package of measures that address affordable warmth, health, comfort and safety. 

The Neighbourhood Energy Action Scheme will be funded by Doncaster Primary Care Trust and DEFRA and will allow Doncaster Council to lead on an area-based approach in Doncaster, Rotherham and Barnsley. 

Neighbourhood Energy Action will provide householders with a face-to-face ‘one stop shop’ service to deliver a range of practical measures to alleviate fuel poverty and improve domestic energy efficiency of all households in defined areas.

Neighbourhood Energy Officers will be working on behalf of Doncaster, Rotherham and Barnsley Councils by raising awareness of the scheme and targeting householders to conduct a series of simple questions.  The Officers will lead on the ‘one stop shop’ process by offering householders expertise in energy saving advice and information on what grant or discounted schemes may be available.  If you live in a cold damp home, you can’t seem to keep your home warm, or your gas and electricity bills are high then you probably need help. Householders may be able to access funding and grants for loft and cavity wall insulation, condensing boilers and central heating measures and Neighbourhood Energy Officers will help you through any application for improvements. 

Neighbourhood Energy Action is a partnership approach and the Officers will offer residents within Doncaster, Barnsley and Rotherham:
· Free Fire Safety Check (to be conducted by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue) to provide a safety exit plan and free smoke alarms.
· Free advice and help from the NHS to stop smoking is available to those who wish to quit.
· Free benefit health check to help identify how a householder may maximise their income.

Look out for our Neighbourhood Energy Officers in your area and ask them what is available to you.   

For more information about the scheme call FREEPHONE 0800 028 1067.