Energy event proves big hit at Highfields

Residents have received expert advice on saving money by cutting their energy bills and reducing their impact on the environment.

A British Gas run ‘Big Community Day’ , in partnership with SARH, took place at Highfields Social Club on Tuesday, May 4.

The event offered practical advice on energy saving products and services and energy experts were on hand to answer customers’ technical questions.

The event was also an opportunity to showcase a £3.4million Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP), which is helping make over 400 of Stafford and Rural Homes properties in Highfields more energy efficient.

The CESP funding , £2million from British Gas and £1.4million from SARH is being used to invest in energy efficient improvements including: new energy efficient condensing boilers, conversion of some homes from electric heating to gas and additional loft insulation and external cladding.

Karen Armitage, Chief Executive of SARH, and British Gas MD Phil Bentley, unveiled some of the first homes that have benefited from the CESP project on Bagots Oak .

Karen said: “The event was a great opportunity to meet customers who will benefit from this scheme and also offer them more practical advice that could potentially save them hundreds of pounds every year on their energy bills.”

Phil added: “By upgrading the energy efficiency of households in whole communities, such as the Highfields estate, we can help some of Britain’s most hard-pressed families cut the bills for keeping their homes warm. An added benefit for us all is that we reduce the nation’s carbon footprint.”

A number of charities also attend the event to offer advice on what money and energy savings customers could be entitled to. Goodie bags full of energy efficiency gifts and information were also handed out.