Solihull Council and its partners Act on Energy will be delivering free home energy advice events across the borough in June.
With the sharp increase in energy bills over the past few years, having a well-insulated home is more important than ever. Despite now entering the warmer summer months, having a well-insulated home can help keep the heat out in the summer and ensure your house is well prepared to retain heat in the winter.
The drop-in events will help residents understand how to improve the energy efficiency of their home and learn about any free or subsidised measures they may be eligible for. Examples of improvements include external wall insulation, loft and cavity insulation, solar panels, heat pumps and double glazing.
These events may be of particular interest to those residents who are potentially eligible for the Home Upgrade Grant Scheme. This scheme, funded by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), targets the least energy efficient off-gas grid homes in England. More information can be found here.
The free drop-in events will take place throughout June across the borough. The dates, times and locations are as follows:
- Tuesday 6 June, 1.30 – 3.30pm, The Pavilion, Meriden Sports Park
- Wednesday 7 June, 4 – 7pm, Chadwick End Village Hall
- Thursday 8 June, 4 – 7pm, Balsall Common Library
- Tuesday 13 June, 2 – 5pm, Castle Bromwich Library
- Thursday 15 June, 2 – 5pm, Kingshurst Library
- Tuesday 20 June, 2 – 5pm, Olton Library
- Tuesday 20 June, 5.30 – 7pm, The Pavilion, Meriden Sports Park
- Wednesday 21 June, 4.30pm – 6.30pm, Catherine-De-Barnes Village Hall
- Thursday 22 June, 4 – 6 pm, Knowle Library
Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Planning and Housing at Solihull Council, said:
“Over the past few years, the issue of rising energy prices and how to save money has come up frequently both in the news and in our day-to-day conversations. Given the situation I know many residents in Solihull are keen to find out what they can do to improve the energy efficiency of their home.
“We know the nation’s housing stock needs significant modifications to ensure homes are well insulated and effective at keeping heat out in the summer and staying warm in the winter. These events are a fantastic opportunity to get some trusted advice and there is no prior registration required, you can simply drop in to the session which is most suitable for you.”
Rachel Jones, CEO of Act on Energy, said:
“As a trusted partner of Solihull Council, our aim is to provide free and impartial energy advice. For 25 years we’ve been committed to educating the public about associated with climate change, fuel poverty and other energy related issues.
“By coming along to any of these drop in events across Solihull, you can get advice on accessing free and subsidised energy efficiency measures, free energy assessments and find out how to make your home more energy efficient. I’d particularly encourage those who have off-gas grid homes to pop down and find out what your options are.”
Residents can find out useful information about improving their home’s energy performance on the Your Future Solihull website. Those who may be struggling with energy bills are encouraged to take a look at the Here2Help webpage for guidance and support.
If you’d like to keep up to date with all the climate change and sustainability news from the Council, you can sign up to the Your Future Solihull newsletter.
