Energy Best Deal
Energy Best Deal is a national campaign run by Citizens Advice providing information and advice to support those finding it difficult to deal with high energy bills. ACT delivered Energy Best Deal workshops to community groups and front line staff / volunteers in Cumbria between 2011 and 2012.
ACT offered free ‘Energy Best Deal’ workshops to community groups and front line staff / volunteers, asking them to share what they learnt through their work in the wider community, particularly with those more vulnerable residents. The workshops included the following:
- Finding the cheapest fuel supplier
- Comparing prices
- Choosing the right deal
- How to switch suppliers
- Getting help with energy bills
- Energy efficiency ideas for your home
- Further local and national support available
Workshops were aimed at communities where residents were experiencing or at risk of, Fuel Poverty - when a household needs to spend more than 10% of their income on domestic fuel. The 1 1/2 hour workshop also covered the wider issue of Fuel Poverty, helping to raise awareness of the causes, and potential solutions, such as switching supplier or tariff to reduce the cost of fuel.
The Energy Switching Support Case Study highlights how the Northern Fells Group Village Agents have used what they learnt at an Energy Best Deal workshop to support residents in their area.
Quotes from previous attendees
- “I’m delighted I attended the session. I wasn’t convinced beforehand but I contacted my energy supplier and I’ve saved a whopping £35 a month by switching to a better tariff”
- “Now I know where to go and what to ask for to get help with my fuel bills”
- “Since the Energy Best Deal training I have changed tariffs with my supplier and I’m saving about £8 per week, that’s over £400 a year!”
Energy best Deal is a national campaign run by Citizens Advice with support from energy regulator Ofgem. Funding from Citizens Advice and Cumbria Community Foundation's Winter Warmth Fund supported the workshops delivered by ACT.
