How you can get help to reduce your fuel bills under new scheme in Sunderland: Are you eligible

Environmental charity Groundwork North East & Cumbria is delivering a free telephone service to reduce fuel bills, reduce carbon and keep homes warmer.

The scheme, called Energising Sunderland helps those who are over 65 or living with a child under five. It can also help people struggling to pay bills, or those struggling with mental or physical health issues.

Groundwork say “the eligibility criteria is very broad” and is urging people to contact them if they or anyone they know needs help. Over 150 households in the city have already been helped.

A team of “green doctors” offers help and support on things like changing energy suppliers, understanding billing and fuel debt and preventing heat loss. They can offer free energy saving measures such as LED light bulbs, radiator panels, draught excluders and warm home packs.

Andrea Baxter, programme manager at Groundwork, said: “I am delighted to see this funding come in to Sunderland to support our residents.

"Things are difficult, especially this year. Many people have less income because of furlough, or because of a change to their working arrangements. Lots of people are also working from home and have to heat their homes more than normal.

“A project like this could help residents save money and become more energy efficient.”

Sunderland residents can request a call for themselves, or for someone they know by contacting Julia Bentley at [email protected] or on 07515 327185.

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