To help raise awareness of energy efficiency issues we will be producing these monthly updates with some short snippets of helpful information.
Energy prices on the rise again.
If you have been following the news this month, I am sure you will have noticed how one of the large energy companies announced significant price rises. Annual gas bills will increase 19% with electricity prices rising 10%. These increases will be introduced in the autumn. There are 6 main energy suppliers in the UK and the usual practice is for one to raise prices, with the others following a short while after. Being aware of the different prices or tariffs offered by the energy suppliers and switching between them is one way to reduce energy bills and free up some money for energy efficiency activity in your home. With a reputed 300 tariffs available from the energy suppliers, making use of price comparison web sites are invaluable.
First community electricity monitor volunteers.
Five families in the Kirkhill and Bunchrew area have received their free monitors to help raise awareness of how electricity is used in their homes. Easy to install, these monitors show how many units of electricity are being used throughout the day and the subsequent cost. Volunteers will be reporting back on some of the changes they have made as a result of using the monitors. The monitors are supplied free for a three month period, if you would like one please give Archie a ring on 07584 297485.
Home Energy Checks.
A simple way to find out how you can make your home more energy efficient and if you will qualify for subsidised or free insulation tops ups is to complete a Home Energy Check. These are a very simple, user friendly list of questions supplied by the Energy Saving Scotland advice centre, a Government funded team. There is a local office in Inverness who supports our Programme and they are happy to chat with residents and provide advice and information as well as the Home Energy Checks. The office can be contacted on the following free phone number 0800 512 012
Renewable Energy Fair – Date for your Diary.
We will be organising a renewable energy fair on the 29th October to help raise awareness of renewable energy and low carbon heating solutions. Chris Ford, the head teacher of Kirkhill Primary School has kindly offered room in the school. Local renewable energy kit suppliers are being invited to attend and we hope to have a range of speakers to answer queries on domestic renewable energy systems.