Redditch Borough Council are proud to announce that they have now appointed a new organisation as their official Energy Advice Service.

With the cost of living and climate crises continuing to make headline news, the newly appointed charity, Act on Energy, will be on hand to help residents access free and impartial advice about energy efficiency in the home.

Act on Energy has replaced YES Energy as the council’s official energy advice service and provide tailored, expert advice and facilitate energy efficiency installations through a network of accredited installers. Act on Energy is also based in the local area so understand the needs of local residents.

The partnership is now active and running so residents can contact Act on Energy to speak to expert advisors about their energy bills and minimising their home’s energy consumption while keeping warm and safe.

Available support includes:

• Direct financial help with energy bills and energy debt for vulnerable low-income households (homeowners, private rented and social housing).
• Grant funding for low-income homeowners for heating, (repairs, servicing, and replacement), insulation and renewable energy generation where available.
• Anyone wanting to upgrade or move away from fossil fuels in their home can also call for advice.

There are several ways residents can get in touch with the Energy Advice Service

• A Freephone advice line 0800 988 2881 9-5pm Mon-Friday
• Emailadvice@actonenergy.org.uk
• Online https://actonenergy.org.uk/
• Via social media https://www.facebook.com/actonenergy/ https://twitter.com/act_on_energy?lang=en.
• A programme is also in the process of being put in place where residents can access advice in person.
• Home visits are also available for the most vulnerable if needed.

For the first time, the Energy Advice Service will also be working directly with the Redditch Borough Council Housing team to enhance the support and advice for council tenants.

Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Partnerships, Councillor Matt Dormer, said: “We are pleased to have Act on Energy back on board as our Energy Advice Service partners. The rising cost of energy is something on everyone’s minds and is an issue which could hit low-income households particularly hard, so we’re glad to be working with Act on Energy to ensure that these residents can get the help and advice they need. The service offers an array of advice about energy reduction, heating, insulation, grant funding and much more, so do get in touch to see how they can help you.”

Rachel Jones, Act on Energy’s CEO, said: “Act on Energy is delighted to be partnering with Redditch Borough Council, helping people across the region gain access to expert energy advice. Whether that’s helping people who are struggling to pay their energy bills or supporting people with making their homes warmer and more energy efficient, we’re here to help”