Keeping you warm this winter

Citizens Advice already helps thousands of people with free energy advice and support managing their fuel bills, and this new partnership worth £500,000 will allow us to continue supporting the regions communities into the next two years.

As part Electricity North West’s ‘Be Winter Ready’ campaign, the funding will support seven new members of staff, including five energy champions who will work proactively with customers, as well as responding to referrals from the charity’s network. 

Andy Brown, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Manchester explained why the partnership will be so valuable to the region in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic: 

“Citizens Advice Manchester are excited to be working with Electricity North West to ensure that customers who need extra help have access to the joined-up support and the advice that they need.

“As the cold weather moves in, we often see an increase in people coming to us for support with staying connected and keeping up with their energy costs; with the coronavirus pandemic forcing people to stay inside more, this support has never been more needed.

We know that cold homes can have a significant impact on people’s physical and mental wellbeing, and thanks to Electricity North West’s support, thousands more people will be able to stay warm and well throughout this difficult winter and beyond.

Last year, it was found that 13% of households in the region are fuel poor, meaning their energy bills are higher than they can afford. Manchester and Pendle in Lancashire have the highest rates of fuel poverty, at 17.9% and 18.1% respectively.” 

Our aim in working with Electricity North West is to significantly reduce fuel poverty within the region and strive to make sure no one goes cold this winter. 

Jo Crinson, Partnership Manager at Electricity North West said: 

“Winter can be a difficult time, and this one will be more challenging than usual due to the impacts of Covid, and we want to help those who may find it more difficult than others, or just need additional support.

The service that our key workers provide in operating the network only makes up a small proportion of overall energy bills, but nonetheless we want to make sure we look after our communities this winter, and this partnership will help us do that.”

If you’re struggling with your energy bills or having a problem with your energy provider you can make a self referral to our expert energy advice team, or you can view our free online energy tips here.