Member Article

Housing association’s fuel poverty work wins trio of commendations

Work by energy wardens to help combat fuel poverty in North Wales has received a trio of commendations.

The team at Grŵp Cynefin, which has saved tens of thousands of pounds for thousands of households, was recognised in three categories at the annual Wales Energy Efficiency Awards.

The commendations were for: vulnerable customer support, and regional housing association of the year; while Sandra Kargin was cited in the champion energy warden category.

Started in 2011, the Grŵp Cynefin community energy wardens scheme helps tackle fuel poverty, economic inactivity and carbon reduction. Wardens work with residents in communities across North Wales to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.

Last year, they helped a total of 187 customers, resulting in a reduction of up to 9,350kg of co2 and savings of up to 50 per cent on fuel bills.

The scheme also offers an opportunity for people out of work to train as the energy efficiency advisors.

Grŵp Cynefin Community Services Director Carina Roberts, who attended the awards ceremony in Cardiff, said: “The energy wardens work so hard, and to be commended in three different categories is a real achievement. We are very proud of them for helping so many people save money on their fuel bills.”

She was accompanied by energy warden representatives Ieuan Davies, Ffion Owen, Jade Beales and Sandra Kargin.

Sandra Kargin became an energy warden in 2014, following a period out of work when she had lost her confidence and was even struggling to leave her home in Caernarfon.

Now Sandra, who is also a Grŵp Cynefin tenant, has helped more than 1,800 residents to cut their bills, and mentored three trainee energy wardens.

She provides energy saving advice to tenants and residents across North Wales, working in partnership with fellow energy warden teams based in Caernarfon.

The energy wardens scheme is one a of a number of community initiatives run by Grŵp Cynefin, which provides more than 4,500 homes to people across North Wales and north Powys.

The scheme is funded by Grŵp Cynefin, Gwynedd Council, North Wales Housing, Anglesey Council and Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd.

Residents across Anglesey and Gwynedd can receive further information on energy efficiency, or arrange a meeting with a warden by visiting grwpcynefin.org, or calling 0300 111 2122.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .