Local Authorities
We offer some or all of the following services for local authorities and their residents within the Black Country and Central Midlands Energy Efficiency Advice Centre Areas:
Energy Saving Trust Local Support Service
A small team is dedicated to developing partnerships and raising awareness of the Home Energy Conservation Act within local authorities.
West Midlands HECA Forum
The West Midlands HECA Foruem is open to all local authorities in the West Midlands Government Region. The Forum is the conduit for consultations with Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) via the Energy Saving Trust' Energy Efficiency Partnership.
Sustainable Housing Partnership (SHOPAR)
The Social Housing and Private Sector Housing partnership for the West Midlands region. SHOPAR has been set up to provide assistance to Housing Associations and Local Authorities in developing sustainable housing policies and practices
Telephone Advice
Residents can call our FREEPHONE number 0800 512 012* and receive free impartial and independent energy efficiency advice. Advice is given on reducing fuel bills, keeping warm and healthy, the grants and discount schemes available and improving energy efficiency.
Postal Advice
By completing and returning one of our FREE Home Energy Checks by FREEPOST, householders can receive a comprehensive report on improving the energy efficiency of their home. Relevant information about grants and schemes available to help is also included. Some versions of our home energy checks offer the opportunity to win a low energy lightbulb or wind-up radio.
Home Visits
Both centres have started to offer home visits in addition to the telephone advice. At present this service is available to residents who are elderly or who have health problems but it is hoped to expand the service in future.
Literature
Both Centres keep a wide stock of leaflets on all aspects of energy efficiency. A number of which are in ethnic minority languages.
Presentations
Talks are given to groups of residents on energy issues, keeping warm and healthy, and grants and schemes to help. Thanks to nPower, all those currently coming to talks are given a free low energy lightbulb. Those attending are also encouraged to complete a FREE Home Energy Check. Recently we have given talks to elders groups at day centres, a talk in Punjabi to a women's group at a community advice centre, a talk to a disabled group and a series of talks to young people at a training centre.
Advice Surgeries
These are normally held in conjunction with other advice agencies. Recently we undertook an advice surgery at an osteoporosis awareness day at a health centre, and ran a series of surgeries at council neighbourhood offices.
Training Staff
Training sessions for staff of varying lengths are held on a variety of topics. For example we have undertaken half an hour sessions with council staff on energy efficiency and grants, two hour sessions with health workers on energy efficiency and health and 3 day training leading to the City and Guilds 6176 in Energy Awareness.
Special Events
Both centres support and undertake special events, such as providing displays (with or without staff) for conferences, seminars or community events. Recently we provided a staffed display at a tenants' conference and undertook a lightbulb amnesty at a large shopping centre.
Work with Schools
This is a developing area of work. We are in the process of presenting a series of assemblies at primary schools on the topic of global warming and we recently produced an interactive CD rom on energy issues.
Practical Help
This is the Energy Saving Trust's initiative for Local Authorities, which provides information, support and advice on sustainable energy and environmentally friendly road transport. For more information visit: www.practicalhelp.org.uk.