One of The North West’s leading energy support charities has received a grant of more than £140,000 to help fund its vital work over the next 18 months, in anticipation of increased demand from local people amid the cost-of-living crisis.
Energy Projects Plus, based in Wallasey, was contacted by the British Gas Energy Trust following a nationwide mapping exercise that identified the parts of the country most in need of additional support.
The grant will help Energy Projects Plus deliver a wide range of live projects aimed at improving domestic energy efficiency and reducing fuel poverty across Cheshire and Merseyside.
The 20-strong team of expert advisers at Energy Projects Plus work with members of the community to help them take action on their own energy bills, by providing information and support on energy-efficiency, including via a free helpline.
They also carry out home visits to those who are vulnerable to living in a cold home, and recommend and implement necessary measures to make it warmer. Other projects include fast-tracking boiler repairs and replacements for low-income households in a no-heat situation, and supporting applications for emergency fuel vouchers.
The British Gas Energy Trust is an independent charitable trust that supports families and individuals facing financial hardship and energy debt across England, Wales and Scotland.
As well as supporting the services provided by money and energy advice services and charities, the British Gas Energy Trust provides direct grants to individuals and families that have an energy debt of between £250 and £750.
Peter Owen, Chief Executive of Energy Projects Plus, said, “We’ve already seen unprecedented demand for the services we offer this year – and with winter ahead we expect more and more people to need help with their energy bills. We and the communities we work with need all the support we can get, and we’re so grateful to the British Gas Energy Trust for recognising that.”
Jessica Taplin, CEO of the British Gas Energy Trust, said, “The rising cost of living means more people are experiencing financial difficulty for the first time, and are struggling to pay their bills. Whether you’re with British Gas or another energy supplier, it’s important to know that there is help available to you. You can apply to us direct or access support via Energy Projects Plus, which does a fantastic job supporting people in the North West.”
Since the start of the cost-of-living crisis, Centrica – the parent company of British Gas – has put together a support package for households worth more than £25m, which will continue to grow. This has included a £2m investment through the British Gas Energy Trust to open 20 new advice centres across the country.
For more information about the British Gas Energy Trust, to find out about the support that’s available, and to apply for a grant, visit https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/ 
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