The service, currently funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, primarily aims to reduce emissions from homes across the city which in turn lowers energy costs and improves comfort. The latest data from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) shows that around 24% of Derby’s emissions come from Housing.

Free advice has been given to residents at events across the city, including Derby Arena.

As well as proving advice and energy saving items such as LED light bulbs, the service has enabled residents to access additional support including free Home Energy Surveys, emergency top-up vouchers for pre-payment meters and funding through Government grants to install additional insulation, low-carbon heating (such as heat pumps) and solar panels.

To ensure that those most in need of support are reached, the service used data such as housing type to identify areas in the city with lower efficiency housing where the biggest impacts could be made, and worked alongside other Council services to access those communities.

As part of their planning for future support, the service are currently surveying residents regarding specific home energy efficiency measures such as low carbon heating and insulation and their likelihood of installing these measures in their homes. Responses to the survey will help to understand levels of demand for these types of improvements and inform future planning. Any resident can take part in the survey which is running until Friday 10 January 2025. 

A previous survey by the service showed that there was a low level of awareness of the Energy Performance Certificate scheme and grant funding availability.

Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability commented:

“We know this is a valuable service for residents who are, quite rightly, concerned about energy bills and making their home warmer and more comfortable. The Council’s Home Energy Advice service is at the centre of a wide partnership network of free support that’s available across the city.

In our manifesto, we committed to decarbonisation as a priority knowing all the co-benefits this can bring to the city such as improved housing, transport and health outcomes.”

According to derby.gov.uk