Utilities and energy efficiency

Parish and town councils promoting utilities and energy efficiency initiatives can empower residents to take action to reduce their energy consumption, lower utility bills, and contribute to environmental sustainability within their communities.

Here are some suggestions parish and town councils can promote within their communities:

Energy efficiency advice and information — Parish and town councils can provide residents with information and resources on energy-saving tips, home energy audits, and energy-efficient appliances to help them reduce their energy consumption and lower utility bills. This can be done through newsletters, websites, workshops, and community events focused on energy efficiency.
Grant and subsidy programs — Parish and town councils can raise awareness about available grants, subsidies, and financial incentives for energy-saving home improvements, such as insulation, double glazing, boiler upgrades, and renewable energy installations. They can work with local authorities, energy companies, and government agencies to promote these programs and assist residents in accessing funding and support for energy efficiency measures.
Community energy projects — Parish and town councils can support community-led energy projects, such as solar panel installations, energy cooperatives, or district heating schemes, to generate renewable energy locally and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. They can facilitate partnerships between community groups, local businesses, and energy providers to develop and finance community energy initiatives that benefit residents and the environment.
Home energy assessments — Parish and town councils can organise home energy assessment programs to help residents identify opportunities for improving energy efficiency in their homes. They can partner with energy assessors or local energy advice agencies to offer discounted or subsidised home energy assessments, Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), and personalised recommendations for energy-saving upgrades.
Promotion of smart meters and energy monitoring tools — Parish and town councils can promote the use of smart meters and energy monitoring tools to help residents track their energy usage in real time and identify opportunities for energy-saving behaviour changes. They can provide information on the benefits of smart meters, how to request an installation and tips for using smart meter data to reduce energy consumption and save money on utility bills.
Engagement with landlords and housing associations — Parish and town councils can engage with landlords, housing associations, and social housing providers to encourage energy efficiency improvements in rental properties and social housing developments. They can provide information on available funding, regulatory requirements, and best practices for energy-efficient retrofitting to help landlords and housing associations make informed decisions about investing in energy-saving upgrades.
Community retrofit programs — Parish and town councils can explore the possibility of organising community retrofit programs that enable residents to collectively purchase and install energy-saving measures, such as insulation or solar panels, at a discounted rate. They can facilitate bulk purchasing arrangements, contractor selection, and project management to streamline the retrofit process and maximise cost savings for participants.

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