Member Article

Housing partnership helps residents save energy

A new partnership between a local housing association and an energy advice firm is helping residents in Country Durham to save hundreds of pounds on their utility bills.

Cestria Community Housing in Chester-le-Street have joined forces with Energy Angels to help local people switch to cheaper tariffs and offer advice about saving energy in their homes.

This is the first partnership of its kind in the North East, and Cestria have already begun a series of events as part of Energy Awareness Month to inform people about the service. Most attendees have been pleased to discover that the scheme will help them to save hundreds of pounds annually on their energy bills.

As well as offering the price comparison and switching service, Energy Angels will work with all of Cestria’s new tenants, to ensure they are getting the best tariff available.

They will also handle Cestria’s void property service – notifying utility suppliers when tenants move out, ensuring damages and debts are dealt with and making sure metres are cleared ready for new tenants moving in – with all these services provided free of charge.

Energy Angels director Lewis Taylor said: “Teaming up with Cestria allows us to work with their thousands of tenants to help them find the best deal and save money on their utility bills.

“This is our first partnership in the North East and already we are seeing great results, with tenants such as Mr Robertson saving substantial amounts of money.”

Cestria’s financial inclusion officer Suzanne Jobson said: “We know that times are hard at the moment and we are always looking for new initiatives to help our tenants save money.

“Our partnership with Energy Angels will ensure our tenants are getting the best deal on their utility bills, as well as offering general advice about saving energy, and therefore money.

“The good news is that the service is available to everyone, not just Cestria’s tenants, so this partnership will benefit the whole community.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .