Energy bills – how the ‘green doctors’ can save you money for free
As the cost of living crisis continues, a new energy price cap has come into effect (since July 1), meaning that energy bills across the country will drop dramatically.
The new cap is £2074, down from £3,280 in April.
Although this is a notable decrease, bills are still far higher than when the price cap was introduced in January 2019, when the typical annual household energy bills was £1,137.
This, combined with the rising cost of other things, from council tax to food, means that people are still struggling and looking at any way to help save money – from advice on food shopping to making your appliances last longer.
One such cost-managing tactic could involve enlisting the help of the Green Doctors, a free service. What do they offer and how can they help?
Who are the Green Doctors?
The Green Doctors are a charity which offers free and impartial energy advice to help residents stay warm, save money and live greener.
They are part of Groundwork – a federation of charities mobilising practical community action on poverty and the environment across the UK.
They offer home visits and other services online or via telephone.
What advice can the Green Doctors share?
That’s, essentially, up to you. When you register for a free consultation, you can raise some of the issues most concerning you.
During this free consultation, per their website, you can expect helpful insight on the following:
- Advice on reducing energy use at home
- Support with accessing the water discounts or Priority Services Register
- Support with applications for energy or water debt relief
- Referring you for the installation of larger measures if needed
- Referring you to other support organisations within your community if needed
- Delivering small efficiency measures, such as LED lightbulbs.
What services do the Green Doctors offer?
Across their website, the Green Doctors explain the myriad of ways in which they can help people take control of their energy bills.
This includes the likes of:
- Advising people on choosing the best tariff, and how to switch
- Advice on gas, electric or water arrears – helping you fill out the correct forms to apply for appropriate grants
- Identifying causes of heat loss in your home
- Helping identify and tackle damp or mould problems.
And it’s not just home visits they provide.
For example, they offer free webinars for frontline workers, explaining the importance of understanding fuel poverty.
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