Date Published: 27 September 2016

As part of its Environmental Sustainability Strategy Colchester Borough Council (CBC) has helped local charity en-form secure a £5000 grant for the third year from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy through the ‘Big Energy Saving Network’.

The grant will allow en-form to offer assistance to help residents reduce their energy bills, particularly those who do not feel confident about changing their energy tariff. It will run alongside the Council’s successful Big Community Switch Scheme.

The Government funded project will allow en-form to review consumers energy bills and then to offer free, impartial and unbiased advice on alternative tariffs. If a resident decides to switch en-form will even arrange this.

Although the service is open to anyone it is aimed at those who have never switched energy providers and don’t feel confident enough to do so through Colchester Borough Council’s online Big Community Switch scheme.

Cllr Dominic Graham, Portfolio Holder for Waste and Sustainability, Roles and Responsibilities, said “Our support of charities such as en-form is a really important part of the work we’re doing under our Environmental Sustainability Strategy. We want our residents, businesses and communities in Colchester to be as environmentally efficient and aware as possible to make our Borough sustainable, thriving and welcoming”.

Andrew Wilkinson, Project Manager at En-form said “The most we have saved a customer so far is £1,449. According to Government figures almost 60% of consumers have never switched and are paying too much. With energy prices beginning to creep up this is a great time to see if you are paying too much ‘ 

There are many reasons why people do not switch including being unsure of the process, unable to receive impartial advice, no access to the internet, finding the process complicated or not understanding their energy bill. This service will arrange everything for residents and then let them decide if they want to switch.

Residents who would like to benefit from this service or know someone who could, can call en-form on 01206 367776 or e-mail info@en-form.org.uk.

ENDS 

Notes to editors: 

To find out more about en-form visit www.en-form.org.uk  or contact info@en-form.org.uk 01206 367776

To find out more about CBC’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy visit www.colchester.gov.uk/sustainability

For more information call 07815 088150 or email communications@colchester.gov.uk