Trafford residents are being offered personalised plans to help them reduce their energy bills as part of a new service launched by Trafford Housing Trust (THT).
As the cost of living continues to increase, THT has appointed a new Energy Advisor, who is helping customers to reduce their energy bills and become more energy efficient.
Kathryn Barningham has joined the housing association after spending eight years as a ‘Green Doctor’ with Groundwork Greater Manchester, where as well as providing advice she helped to install devices to cut back on energy use.
In her new role at THT Kathryn will carry out checks on heating and boiler use, look for ways to reduce bills such as payment plans or possible faulty meter readings, and advise on cutting back on the use of appliances that use a lot of energy, such as tumble drivers. In addition, she will provide a similar service to help reduce water bills.
Kathryn said: “The new role as Energy Advisor is crucial in today’s current climate, and I am delighted to have been appointed. I hope to make a big difference to THT customers and I will do my absolute best to guide and support them.
“Understanding energy bills can be a minefield, so being able to help people understand and give them guidance is something I’m very passionate about. Just knowing there is someone to help can take a lot of stress and pressure off people, and I plan to deliver a service for THT customers that they can depend on.
“So far I have been able to halve a customer’s electricity bills by re-setting his water heater, and greatly reduced another customer’s water bills by providing tariff advice, as well as liaising with energy providers to agree affordable payment plans.”
In addition to Kathryn’s appointment, THT has also awarded a £100,000 grant to Citizen’s Advice, funding a two -year project to deliver energy advice to 900 residents affected by fuel poverty in the Trafford area. The grant will help to deliver guidance on how to reduce fuel usage and support individuals to access grants to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
Aileen Edmunds, Head of Social Impact at Trafford Housing Trust, said: “The wellbeing and comfort of our customers is a top priority, and we know from speaking with them that many have concerns around increasing energy prices. Kathryn’s expertise can and is having a significant effect on reducing costs for many of our customers, and we would urge any of our customers with concerns to contact us as soon as they are able.”
