Energy Saving Advice

At the West Midlands Combined Authority, we are committed to creating a fairer, greener and healthier West Midlands.

Here we have created a dedicated webpage to signpost you to up-to-date energy support, advice and guidance for those living within the West Midlands.

All of the advice services will offer you free and impartial advice to help you with your energy bills and how to stay warm in your home.

Organisations

All of the advice lines will offer you free and impartial advice to help you with your energy bills and how to stay warm in your home.

Advice on how to cut the cost of your energy bills

There are lots of quick things you can do today to reduce your energy usage:

• Switch off appliances left on stand-by, such as TVs, potentially saving you £65 per year
• Wash at 30oC and reduce your load by one run a week which could save £34 a year
• Fit draught excluders to your windows, doors, letter box and keyhole to keep the draughts out which could save you £125 per year
• Avoid using the tumble dryer and instead hang washing outside or over clothes airers which could save you £70 per year
• Taking a 4-minute shower can see savings of £95 per year
• Insulating your hot water cylinder could see a saving of £70 per year.

For more energy-saving tips, visit the Energy Saving Trust website.

Smart Meters

Smart meters show you how much gas and electricity you’re using, as well as what it’s costing you. The in-home display allows you to keep track of your energy usage and see how much you are spending, which may encourage you to reduce your energy consumption.

They are being installed in homes across the UK at no extra cost, to replace traditional meters, including prepay key meters and removes estimated billing – meaning you only pay for what you have used.

Your energy supplier will install a smart meter for free, and will contact you when your smart meter is ready to be installed. Or you can enquire about getting one now by contacting your energy supplier.

You can find more information on Smart meters at the Smart Energy GB website.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

An EPC shows how energy-efficient your property is. It estimates energy costs, as well as a summary of the property’s energy performance-related features e.g. windows.

An EPC also provides you with recommendations on measures that would make your home more energy-efficient, along with estimated costs for implementing the changes and potential savings you could make.

Your home will be given an energy-efficiency grade between A and G, with A being the best and G being the least energy efficient.

You will need a valid EPC if you are looking to sell your property and if you live in rented accommodation, your EPC must be an E or above. It is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure there is a valid EPC.

If you are thinking of applying for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants, to install a heat pump, you will need a valid EPC, and must not have any outstanding recommendations for cavity wall or loft insulation. If you do, you will need to insulate your home before applying for the grant.

You can find your EPC, or apply for a new one.