HEET Energy Champions
Could YOU Be an Energy Champion in Your Community?
Do you know someone who might be interested in this role?
We know Waltham Forest residents are struggling more than ever with the rising cost of heating their homes, mounting gas and electricity bills, and staying warm and healthy in their homes.
Efficient heating and home insulation could help – and there may be grants to help pay for this. But where can residents find reliable advice and information about what to fit, available grants or navigating often confusing and lengthy grant processes?
Who can help residents sort out debts on energy bills and help them negotiate with their energy company? Where can they find advice on keeping costs down and how best to control their heating?
At the same time, the planet is facing a climate crisis, and there is a growing consciousness that acting locally is the key to reducing carbon emissions globally. Could we help each other make changes that can contribute to cutting emissions?
HEET has been helping Waltham Forest residents in fuel poverty for nearly 25 years. But recent rises in energy bills have pushed many more people into debt, and inspired more to look for ways to make their homes more energy efficient.
We can’t help everybody – and we know there are many residents we aren’t reaching, and communities where barriers prevent some residents getting support. But we believe it is more sustainable for residents to help each other.
HEET is establishing a network of Energy Champions: local volunteers, whether as individuals or as part of existing community organisations, ready to support their neighborhoods by giving advice, fitting basic energy-saving measures, and helping residents resolve issues with energy suppliers.communities.
We are keen to make links with any residents willing to become an Energy Champion. We can help access training, share knowledge, and will provide backup support , with a dedicated advisor line for Champions needing assistance.
Our Vision: Build a network that empowers people to manage their energy use, cut costs, access home improvements, and create positive change for our community and the planet.
What would Energy Champions do?
- Visit / advise at least 10 people in a year through their networks or community
- Give advice on energy saving in the home
- Advise people struggling with fuel bills how to deal with debt, speak to energy companies on their behalf, read meters, explain bills to customers
- Signpost residents to other services they may need
- Advise on improvements in heating, insulation etc and where residents might obtain these
- Get feedback from residents advised
- Training in energy awareness and fuel poverty
- 'Using Energy in the Home', certificated NEA Level 1 qualification
- ‘Shadowing’ HEET advisers on some home visits to complete training
- A resource pack with information on energy saving, damp, insulation, heating and more
- A backup phone line for champions to get advice with issues they encounter
- Ongoing support in terms of debriefing, a get-together session for champions
- A service to refer residents who need further support
What Would HEET Provide?
If you or anyone you know are interested in becoming an energy champion, or you can think of someone else who might, please get in touch with HEET.
