Energy advice van to deliver in-person support to residents across East Lindsey

A new energy advice and retrofit information service has officially been launched in East Lindsey - and it is coming to a community near you!

East Lindsey District Council has launched an Energy and Retrofit Information Clinic (ERIC) which will travel to town and parishes, community venues and events in the district to enable the council's home energy advice officers to give in-person support to residents on their doorstep.

In August last year, the Council received £662,154 through the Local Energy Advice Demonstrator competition to help tackle fuel poverty in the district.

East Lindsey's project is one of nine being funded in the Midlands by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, through the Midlands Net Zero Hub, to support more than 30,000 people with energy advice.

Working with PECT, the funding has secured four home energy advice officers as well as the new 100% electric-powered van. Officers will deliver vital in-person support to help residents access grants, receive information and to help them on their retrofitting journey. The council's Home Energy Advice and Retrofit Team (HEART) helps residents who may otherwise struggle to access help and advice to tackle fuel poverty, live more comfortably in their homes and save money on their energy bills.

ERIC is fitted out to display a variety of retrofit measures and shows how making a few changes can improve the Energy Performance of your home. On board, there is information and demonstrations on insulation, lighting, solar panels and heat pumps, as well as leaflets to take away. Officers can help eligible residents access funding as well as make referrals for support from any other services or external agencies.

ERIC has today been launched in Skegness with Maya Swieconek, 10, a pupil from Richmond Primary School, at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Maya won a drawing competition organised by the council and her eye-catching artwork has been recreated on the energy van by freelance illustrator Carli Hall.

Cllr Graham Marsh, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture, and Carbon Reduction at East Lindsey District Council, said: "Working collaboratively with PECT, I am delighted East Lindsey District Council is today launching ERIC to help deliver face-to-face support for residents.

"The van will enable officers to go direct to communities, delivering support right to people's doorsteps. Offering in-person support is vital so that the council can help as many people as possible tackle fuel poverty and live much more comfortably in their homes. In-person support can often help make the process simpler and easier for residents who may not know what is available to them to reduce their energy bills and make their homes warmer.

"The van is fully equipped to explain simply some of the technologies and the small adjustments you can make to improve the EPC rating of your home and reduce carbon emissions. If you know someone who would benefit from the team's knowledge and expertise, or you would like to find out more for yourself, then pop along when the van is at a community near you."

Stuart Dawks, Chief Executive of PECT, said: "The aim of having a mobile energy advice service has been a long-term aspiration of PECT, helping to directly support residents within their communities. ERIC will provide much needed support to those residents who are struggling with the cost of energy as well as those who are looking at retrofitting their properties to save money and reduce their impact on the environment."

Officers will be bringing ERIC to the following venues:

Friday 5^th April - Spilsby Boston Road Car Park (10am-12pm)

Thursday 11^th April - Wragby Town Hall (10am-12pm)

Friday 12^th April - Wainfleet All Saints Library (10am-1pm)

Wednesday 24^th April - Sibsey Village Hall (11am-2pm)

Tuesday 30^th April - Stickney Youth Centre (10am-12pm)

Friday 3^rd May - Sutton on Sea Meridale Centre (10am-12.30pm)

More dates are being added to the community events. Please check www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/HEART for the latest venues and times.

The HEART team will also be at the following events:

Thursday 28th March - Horncastle Community Centre (10am-12.30pm)

Friday 5th April - Alford Hub (10am-2pm)

Friday 12^th April - Louth Library (10am-1pm)