Local People Risk Missing Out On Low Carbon Tech Advice And Support

Latest independent research has shown that awareness amongst people in the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire about the benefits of Low Carbon Technologies (LCT) like heat pumps, biomass boilers and battery storage, is low and thousands of people could be missing out on advice and support.

Some 95% of the people surveyed said they know about the benefits of solar panels, but when it came to the potential benefits of other technologies like ground source heat pumps it dropped to 65% and just 46% said they were aware of battery storage and how it could help power their everyday life more sustainably.

The independent research was commissioned Northern Powergrid to help inform future action to support customers wanting to reduce their energy costs and live more sustainably. It will also assist the electricity network operator’s work with a range of partners to refer local people to free, independent advice and support. This includes leading organisation which people can also call directly, quote ‘Northern Powergrid referral’ to get help and be referred to the most local support in their community:

North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire: Communitas Energy CIC Phone: 0113 486 2941 www.ce-cic.org.uk. Phone appointments only.
West Yorkshire: Citizens Advice Leeds Phone: 0800 448 0721. citizensadviceleeds.org.uk, Oxford House, Oxford Row, Leeds LS1 3BE.
North East: Stockton Citizens Advice (SDAIS) Phone: 01642 626 106. https://stockton-cab.co.uk Bath Lane, Stockton On Tees TS18 2DS.
North Yorkshire CA and Law Centre: Phone: 01609 767 555. North Yorkshire Citizens Advice & Law Centre (cany.org.uk) 277 High Street, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL7 8DW
Citizens Advice Hull and East Riding: Phone: 0800 144 8848. www.hullandeastridingcab.org.uk/ The Wilson Centre 1 Alfred Gelder Street, Hull HU1 2AG.

The research highlighted that three out of four people said reducing household energy consumption remains a priority at present. This is why Northern Powergrid remains committed to sharing free energy advice with its 8 million customers and the 3.9 million households and businesses connected to its electricity distribution network. It is also ensuring that its network related charges, which appear on customers’ energy bills from their chosen electricity supplier, remain low at around 25p a day for the average domestic customer.

Across the region, the research also highlighted welcome news that some 85% of respondents said they were already taking action to be more sustainable by turning off plugs and lights when not in use to conserve energy and save money - and 88% are actively doing their bit by recycling packaging. Some 82% of those questioned also admitted they were turning off their heating more often in a bid to live more sustainably.

Whilst more people want to pursue sustainable living, eight out of 10 surveyed felt the cost of Low Carbon Technologies remained a barrier and only 17% were aware of information, advice and support available about it, including grants to aid them.

As part of the independent research, respondents were asked to read free advice currently offered by Northern Powergrid to help people understand the potential benefits of Low Carbon Technologies. Around three out of five people indicated that after reading the information they were more likely to install them in the future.

Louise Lowes, Northern Powergrid’s Director of Customer Service, said:
“We may not sell electricity or install heat pumps and battery storage, but we do have an important role as a trusted source of information for our customers, when it comes to what they need to know to connect them to their property, the region’s power network, and helping create a more sustainable energy future.

“This independent research looked at the potential barriers to people adopting Low Carbon Technologies (LCTs), like not knowing enough about them, understanding maintenance and technology costs, and installation and impact on people’s property. It has provided important insights which will enable us to improve the free, independent advice we provide on Low Carbon Technologies via our network of expert partners.

“Whether people are unsure about LCTs, are passionate about living more sustainably or simply want to help reduce their energy bills, we want to ensure they have the advice they need from us and our partners to make informed choices for their household now and in the future.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about Low Carbon Technologies can visit Northern Powergrid’s Force for Good webpage – northernpowergrid.com/force-for-good - to view information on green heating systems, solar power for homes, insulating your home. Further information about how to make your home more energy efficient and how to refer to one of Northern Powergrid’s partners for free, independent and tailored advice is also available on the Force for Good page or by clicking here.

Northern Powergrid is encouraging any local partners interested in the research findings to help inform their own work to contact engage@northernpowergrid.com.