Council highlights energy-saving solutions to help residents make savings

This year’s Big Energy Saving Week kicks off from Wednesday 17 to Tuesday 23 January 2024 and Walsall Council is encouraging residents to take part in the campaign to help them cut their fuel bills, access the best deals and make their homes more energy efficient.

The council’s cost of living support portal at https://go.walsall.gov.uk/benefits contains dedicated resources and services to help residents access support to manage their energy bills and other household bills. This resource offers valuable guidance on accessing financial assistance, managing energy bills, and finding further cost-saving tips.  

Councillor Gaz Ali, Portfolio Holder for Customer at Walsall Council, said, “We understand the financial pressures many residents are facing with the rising cost of living, and especially with the pressures of expenses after the festive season. We're committed to energy efficiency and providing residents with practical support and raising awareness about how they can save on their energy costs.”

Information on council-led energy saving schemes, including the Big Community Switch where households across the borough can save money on their energy bills through collective energy switching, as well as other grants and initiatives to retrofit homes and improve energy efficiency, can be found at https://go.walsall.gov.uk/housing/saving-energy/energy-efficiency-funding-and-advice

Eligible residents can also apply for the Household Support Fund until 31 March 2024. This government grant has been designed to support low-income households, including families, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and disabled people. 

Claiming this grant does not affect anyone currently receiving benefits and this support could help with residents’ energy, water broadband and other household bills. Further information can be found at https://go.walsall.gov.uk/newsroom/eligible-walsall-residents-urged-take-household-support-fund-march-closing-date

Face-to-face support to help residents access Council services online and get general advice on cost of living is available through the 29 Walsall Connected Centres located around the borough. 

This includes supporting residents looking to apply for the Household Support Fund. In addition, general information, signposting, and digital skills training are delivered through these centres and further information about how to access support can be found on the council’s website at https://go.walsall.gov.uk/people-and-communities/walsall-connected-get-help-get-online.

By shining a spotlight on energy-saving solutions, Walsall Council hopes to support residents but also show its commitment to energy efficiency. The recent completion of energy-saving measures at Darlaston Swimming and Fitness Centre in October 2023 demonstrates the council's dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and lowering energy costs. Awarded £2.6 million from the government's Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the council implemented significant energy-saving upgrades. New air source heat pumps, solar panels, and LED lighting now grace the facility, significantly reducing its carbon footprint and setting a benchmark for future projects. 

Councillor Ali added, “The Darlaston Swimming and Fitness Centre transformation demonstrates our commitment to environmental responsibility and cost-consciousness. By leading by example, we hope to empower residents to embrace energy-saving solutions in their own homes. We also encourage residents who haven’t accessed this support to come forward to get the necessary support on managing their energy bills and other household bills." 

During Big Energy Saving Week and beyond, Walsall Council stands firmly by its residents, offering practical tools and guidance to navigate the rising cost of living. By working together, communities can achieve not only financial savings but also a more sustainable future for the borough.