A popular service has returned to Swansea city centre to help local householders through the cost of living crisis.
The Switched On energy awareness hub has reopened in High Street to offer free advice and guidance on keeping fuel bills as low as possible.
The service, funded by Swansea Council and operated by Environment Centre Swansea, first operated in nearby Nelson Street last year when hundreds of people were assisted.
It offers practical tips through friendly face-to-face chats, drop-in sessions, energy efficiency talks and fuel debt advice.
There’s guidance on energy-saving moves such as making draught excluders – and there’s a donation station where homeless people and others in need can pick up free coats and blankets taken in by members of the public.
Council joint deputy leader Andrea Lewis said: “Our support to local people is especially important as these difficult times continue.
“I’m glad that Switched On is back in the city centre – free and accessible to all – and that more people will be able to benefit from the free advice on offer.
“I thank all our partners – including staff and friends of the Environment Centre – who continue to help in the delivery of this service.”
Switched On is now open at Swansea Community Workshops, 208 High Street, every Thursday and Friday from 10am-4pm.
It offers face-to-face discussions for those concerned about their energy bills, with support and information available for fuel payment schemes, energy efficiency improvement grants and general home energy use.
Advice includes information to all on how to better insulate homes, switch energy providers and access support on welfare rights.
It can help householders save money and will help the city become net zero carbon by 2050, a target to which the council is already working.
Key advice includes:
- Contact your energy or water supplier and ask what help is available for you. They may be able to reduce direct debit payments this winter.
- Prevent heat loss by using draught excluders, closing windows and keeping curtains closed after dark. This will help to trap your home’s heat.
- If you suffer with the cold, consider using an electric blanket for short periods instead of heating a whole room during the day. This will be more efficient.
Rhian Corcoran, manager of Environment Centre Swansea, said: “People concerned about the costs of fuel to themselves or relatives can visit our city centre hub or can look for advice on our web pages.
“Many people will be reassured that this service will continue and has a highly visible presence at the heart of the city centre.”
The service’s guidance is backed by a network of experts and it can help whoever needs assistance.
Swansea Energy Awareness Hub partners and supporters have included energy network operator Western Power Distribution, the National Energy Agency, fuel poverty specialist Warm Wales, council departments, youth charity Swansea MAD, EON Energy, City Energy and Yes Energy Solutions.
More: www.environmentcentre.org.uk/switched-on
