1. Sheryll Mondey, Advisor, HTCS Project the Environment Centre (tEC)
Presentation to Energy Alton, Alton Community Centre November 2016
Sheryll Mondey, Advisor, HTCS Project
the Environment Centre (tEC)

2. Fuel Poverty: The Statistics
Fuel poverty affects 2.38 million households in England (DECC).
National Energy Action estimates that over the next 15 years….
Health: £322 billion will be spent on the NHS (England & Wales) treating cold related admissions.
Excess Winter Morbidity: 125,000 premature deaths in the UK will occur as a result of living in cold homes.

3. Fuel Poverty: The Statistics
40% of vulnerable households are faced with the stark choice or heating or eating, and 20% of parents regularly go without food so that children can eat (Cooper et al. 2014).
Cold homes are currently a bigger killer across the UK than road accidents, alcohol or drug abuse (NEA, 2015).
Individuals living in homes with bedroom temperatures of 15°C are 50% more likely to suffer mental health problems than those living with temperatures of 21°C (Friends of the Earth and Marmot, 2011).

4. Recommended Temperatures
70ºF
64ºF
59ºF
53ºF
48ºF
21ºC
18ºC
15ºC
12ºC
9ºC
Comfortable temperatures
Some discomfort but no
serious health risks
Discomfort and risk of respiratory disease, bronchitis, etc
Risk of heart problems, strokes, etc
Between deg C (70-64 deg F) = comfortable
21C (70F) = living room
18C (64F) = bedroom
These temperatures are for healthy, mobile residents, so if there’s anyone in the household who’s more vulnerable, including older residents, with disabilities, or not very mobile then increase the temperature, up to 24ºC in living areas.
Risk of hypothermia

5. About Hitting the Cold Spots
Now in it’s sixth year, Hitting the Cold Spots (HTCS) is Hampshire County Council’s response to:
The Cold Weather Plan for England;
NICE guidelines and recommendations on excess winter deaths and illness; and
The Council’s own Fuel Poverty Strategy.
The service is available to anyone interested in energy efficiency, saving money and keeping warm and well but has a particular focus on those at greater risk from cold weather.
HTCS is particularly aimed at home-owners and private tenants. However, social housing tenants can access information and advice through the phone line.

6. What do we do? Freephone advice line – 0800 804 8601
Face to face support during home visits from HTCS Advisors for households requiring more intensive support.
Practical support with emergency heating.
Help to access funding for heating and hot water system repairs/replacements.
Eligibility check for Warm Homes Discount scheme.
Assistance to switch energy provider or tariff.
Small grant support to help with winter fuel emergencies.
Signposting and referrals to other organisations.

7. Help with Fuel Bills – Warm Homes Discount
One off discount of £140 on an electricity bill
Core group (qualifying date 10 July 2016)
Pensioners in receipt of Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit (even if they receive the Savings element of PC)
Broader group
Criteria will vary with each energy supplier, usually based on low income, means tested benefit and a vulnerability in the household (for example, disability or children <5)..
Allocated on first come first served basis

8. Priority Services Register
Extra help and support with your energy supply if you are a pensioner; disabled; have chronic health conditions; or have a visual or hearing impairment.
Benefits include:
Free advice on being more energy-efficient.
Password protection scheme.
Meter re-siting if difficult to use or read.
Free quarterly meter reading if you are unable to read the meter.
Bills sent to a relative, carer or friend.

9. Priority Services Register Continued
Bills and meter readings in alternative format
Advance notice if your supply is going to be interrupted.
Priority reconnection and alternative facilities for cooking and heating if your supply is interrupted.
May also include annual gas safety checks.

10. 1 April – 10 November 2016 Statistics
189 Hampshire residents assisted through advice line
72 households referred for casework support with HTCS Advisors.
39 low income and vulnerable households have received first time central heating systems.
12 households have received repairs or replacement heating or hot water systems.
Over £180,000 leveraged to help with first time central heating, heating &/or hot water repairs or replacements.

11. Case Study

12. Client Feedback “

13. Hitting the Cold Spots staywarm@environmentcentre.com
(Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)