Saving energy for Stafford area ... and looking after our planet!
Grid flexibility enables householders and businesses to play a part in moving to a 'greener' more local electricity supply. Watch the video then click here to see how 'time-of-use' tariffs can save on bills and how you could earn additional income for grid services. Video courtesy of Western Power Distribution.
Welcome to the Save Your Energy website, which is packed with practical advice and information about how to save energy in your home or business, and how to generate your own heat or electricity using renewable energy sources.
Cut carbon emissions: Saving energy will cut your bills and reduce your carbon emissions. This is vital if we are to reduce the impact of climate change, now and in the future.
Over 200,000 unique visits per year: Although intended mainly for people living in and around Stafford, Staffordshire, much of the information is useful wherever you are, and we welcome visitors from far and wide.
Local case studies and services: This site also tells you about households and businesses who have made energy-saving changes, and provides links to localcompanies providing relevant products and services.
Non-profit: The website, founded in 2008, is maintained by Sustainability Matters, a not-for-profit community group. Let us know if you have any ideas or suggestions to improve the site, or would like to feature your energy-saving project on the site - just click .
Your community: Thinking about solar panels for your community hall or social club, or want to make your neighbourhood more eco-friendly? See our Community Energy section for advice and tips or to add your event or activity to the 'What's on' list.
NEW THIS MONTH:
Energy storage, you and the grid Feed-in Tariff to close in 2019 Update: Electricity storage: a smart move? 'Clean Growth Strategy' in focus ECO3: ringing the changes for energy support?
Freeze your energy bills
ADVICE, GRANTS AND OFFERS
Give your home a health check!Free help and advice from Stafford Borough Council
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Keep warm, manage fuel bills
Warmer Homes StaffordLive in Stafford Borough? Then talk to us today about finding help |
Companies and installersUse our list of local suppliers to find what you're looking forClick on 'Where to find help?' above |
Suffering financial hardship? |
Warm Home DiscountGet £140 off your energy bill for winter 2018-19It's 'first come, first served' for many eligible energy customers. See if you qualify here
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Focus on Feed-in Tariffs
Click here for our handy summary of the latest rates
Closure of FIT scheme in 2019!!
Note that the FIT scheme will close to new entrants from 31 March 2019. See Feed-in Tariff to close for newcomers
Health Through Warmth
Do you know someone whose health is affected by cold living conditions?
Do they require assistance with the installation of heating and insulation that they cannot fully fund themselves?
Click here for more information about npower's Health Through Warmth, and how it may be able to help
Your energy supplyCitizens' Advice helps you find answers to all your questions! |
HELP AND ADVICE FROM SAVE YOUR ENERGY:
- Energy debts? Help is available here
- Private tenants: your new rights to a warmer home
- Collective switching for better energy deals
- How to combat the cold in winter
- Warm Home Discount of £140 on your winter 2018-19 electricity bill: do you qualify?
- Winter Fuel Payment of £200 to £300: are you claiming yours?
- Cold Weather Payment: not a lot!
- GRANTS for insulation and heating: all about ECO!
- Community bulk oil buying scheme through the Community Council of Staffordshire
- Get a FREE home fire risk check from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Phone freephone 0800 0241 999 to book your visit from a firefighter!
- Renewable Heat Incentive: what, when and how much? All you need to know!
- Use the government's Energy Grants Calculator to see what grants or other energy help you are entitled to.
- LOOKING FOR BETTER DEALS on gas or electric? Click here
- READ about 'green' energy tariffs
For free impartial energy advice:
If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, phone the Energy Saving Advice Service
on 0300 123 1234 (national rate calls).
If you live in Scotland phone Home Energy Scotland free on 0808 808 2282.
Do you live in a rented property in Stafford Borough? Are you concerned about the state of the property or its management? You can phone the Housing Standards team at Stafford Borough Council on 01785 619000, for advice.
NOTE: Some deals for energy efficiency measures may apply to homeowners only. Tenants should consult with their landlords before taking any action.
Stafford Area Community SolarSolar PV discount scheme for Stafford BoroughClick here for full detailsTax-free, index-linked investment in clean, green energy! Phone 0845 2263 233 for a free no-obligation survey! Health check for your solar panels HERE! |
Issues concerning energy and climate change are the responsibility of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). The minister responsible for Climate Change is now Claire Perry, deputy to Secretary of State Greg Clark.
Highlights
Oulton School: taking simple steps to save energy
Criteria for heating help extended, says Councillor
Rural communities losing out on energy efficiency
Energy price rises blamed on 'green taxes' - or more fake news?
'We Love Littleworth' - lots happening!
Visit the news archive to view older items by clicking here.
What's your environmental footprint?
Energy use is a factor in measuring how much of the planet's resources we are taking. Other aspects of lifestyle are also important, such as what we eat, where and how we travel, and how much 'stuff' we accumulate. Use WWF's Footprint Calculator to see if you are using more than your fair share, and what you can do to reduce your footprint.
What do I do with old lightbulbs?The Recolight scheme has over 3000 collection points in the UK, and recovers over 90% of materials for reuse. Recolight collection points can be found on their website. |
'Green gas'
Want to know more about 'green' gas, otherwise known as biomethane? The Green Gas Certification Scheme website tracks commercial transactions of biomethane through the supply chain to ensure there is no double counting or selling. It also provides a good introduction to 'green gas'.
Do you know?
How many hydrogen filling stations are there in the UK? See 'Time to switch on to electric vehicles?' for the answer.
This online counter from the Environmental Transport Association displays 'live' statistics about road transport in the UK, such as daily CO2 emissions, miles travelled by each type of vehicle, and even the number of bikes stolen. Why not check it out?!
BEWARE DOORSTEP METER SCAM!!
Don't buy cut-price prepayment meter tops-up on the doorstep!
This is a scam and you'll end up paying twice. If you think you have been offered a cloned meter key or card, report the incident anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. For more information see the Citizens Advice website.
Got a complaint about your energy bill or energy supplier?Contact the local Citizen's Advice Bureau County Adviceline: OR check the national Citizen's Advice website. This now has lots of guidance and information about many topics including electricity, gas, and energy suppliers. See http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/ |
Solar thermal water heating technology
For a family of four, a well designed solar heating system should contribute between 1500kWh and 2000kWh, which will be equivalent to 40 to 50% of the household's water heating energy needs.