New energy champions help Sussex residents get ready for winter
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Fifty new energy champions have been trained at UK Power Networks to support local communities with tips to stay warm and well this winter.
UK Power Networks has trained staff to become Energy Champions, sharing practical energy advice at community events across London, the South East and East of England this winter. With the clocks going back on Sunday (25 October), the Energy Champions will help households prepare for colder, darker days with practical ways to save energy.
The teams have 5,000 Energy Bags to give away with potential energy savings of up to £170 a year per household. In total, UK Power Networks plan to reach 100,000 customers over the winter with energy saving tips, advice and links to further trusted support.
Each free bag includes two LED lightbulbs, draught-proofing tape, a smart plug and a thermometer, as well as information about UK Power Networks’ free online tool Home Energy Saver, which offers tailored, budget-friendly energy-efficiency tips, and links to partner organisations that can help people prepare for colder weather.
Customers will also be encouraged to make small changes which can make a significant difference over time, such as lowering washing temperatures, closing curtains at dusk, turning off standby, unplugging chargers and using LED lightbulbs.
Energy Champions will promote the Priority Services Register and refer customers to free, independent help from partner organisations including Citizens Advice.
Events started with Crawley’s Winter Warm Up at K2, where people could try activities and connect with support organisations. UK Power Networks’ Energy Champions attended through Donate a Day, which gives staff two paid volunteering days a year.
Joanna Lomax, consumer vulnerability manager at UK Power Networks, said: “Our Energy Champions are taking practical help directly into local communities, making it easier for people to find simple ways to save energy, access trusted support and prepare for winter. We are proud of the colleagues volunteering their time to share useful advice face-to-face and help thousands of households stay warm, safe and informed.”
The Energy Champions were trained by Community Energy Pathways, a key UK Power Networks partner. Over the last two years, their network of local community energy organisations has delivered over 20,000 energy advice interactions through the ‘Leaving No One Behind’ programme. Focusing on delivering advice in community spaces and home visits, CEP takes UK Power Networks’ support to where customers can benefit most.
Phil O’Sullivan, project manager, from Community Energy Pathways, said: "We are delighted that UK Power Networks is not only supporting customers through our partnership but also directly through organising training for their own staff. As we approach the colder months, these 50 UK Power Networks’ champions will broaden and deepen the support residents across UK Power Networks area receive. At CEP, we see time and again how impactful in-person support can be, and we’re very pleased to be supporting UK Power Networks to get involved."