Energy Outreach Project
supporting devon's communities through the challenges of the energy crisis and increasing cost of living
Each autumn/winter, Devon Communities Together provides help and support to help vulnerable people manage energy costs and improve home energy efficiency. Our fully trained Energy Champions offer FREE community presentations, drop-in sessions and telephone support to provide advice on bills, energy saving measures and possible government support available.
The Energy Outreach Project is a national initiative, funded by Citizens Advice, that collaborates with local projects in England and Wales to help vulnerable people manage energy costs and improve home energy efficiency.
how can we help?
1. energy presentations for your community
You can arrange a presentation from one of our trained Energy Champions as a service to your community if you are part of a Village Hall committee or involved in a community organisation. It could make a difference to people's wellbeing throughout this autumn and winter period.
Depending on your community's needs, we can cover topics including:
- The energy price cap
- The energy market and energy costs
- Understanding fuel poverty
- Government support for households
- Industry support for households
- Warm Homes Discount eligibility
- Home energy saving
- Switching energy suppliers
- Priority Services Register
- Getting further advice
- Investment in home energy saving
- The pros and cons of Smart Meters
- Devon Oil Collective
- Carbon Zero – new energy sources
- Obtaining further help with energy affordability
Alternatively you could invite us along to one of your own events to provide advice and support. We can attend coffee mornings, lunch clubs, village events, as well as putting together bespoke sessions or have a stand at networking events. We are happy to undertake repeat visits to locations and organisations we have helped in the past.
Our presentations will take around 40 minutes and there will be time for questions and the opportunity to request individual support. To book a presentation, email anderson.jones@devoncommunities.org.uk, martin@devoncommunities.org.uk, or call 01392 248919.
2. FREE Energy SAVING advice sessions
We love running our FREE Energy Saving Advice sessions out in the community and being able to help people! Our trained Energy Champions can help with:
- What the change in standing charges means
- Understanding the energy price cap
- Smart Meters and if they are right for you
- Support to understand your energy bills
- Switching energy supplier
- The energy market and energy costs
Upcoming FREE Drop In Sessions:
- Tuesday 6th October, 10am - 12pm - Sid Valley Foodbank, Primley United Reformed Church, Primley Rd, Sidmouth EX10 9LB
If you would like one of our Energy Champions to come to your organisation and run a drop in session, let us know. Contact anderson.jones@devoncommunities.org.uk, martin@devoncommunities.org.uk, or call 01392 248919.
Please follow us on Facebook for up to date sessions coming up
3. 1:1 support
We are also available to work with individuals or households to look at specific ways you can mitigate against the impact of energy costs and explore ways in which you could access additional financial and wellbeing support.
For a confidential chat, please call 01392 248919 or email one of our Energy Champions on anderson.jones@devoncommunities.org.uk, martin@devoncommunities.org.uk.
FREE Warm Pack*
There are a small number of warm packs available for people who attend on of our sessions, including: fleece blanket, thermal socks, gloves, hat and flask.
*While stocks last, T&C apply (you must attend one of our free sessions and speak with our Energy Champions for advice in order to receive a pack)
Community Survey: Energy and Fuel Crisis
How are energy costs and the fuel crisis affecting you or your household, community or business?
Energy and fuel costs can affect many areas of daily life, from household bills and transport to food costs, local services, community buildings, businesses and farming. Devon Communities Together would like to understand how these pressures are affecting people, households, communities and organisations across Devon.
We are gathering real experiences of how rising energy costs and the fuel crisis are affecting people and communities all across Devon.
The energy price cap is due to increase from 1st October 2026, and potentially again in January 2027, and we would love to hear about your experiences even if you’ve shared them with us before!
Your insights can help us understand the support you need and continue to champion our rural and coastal communities across the county.
Interview with Martin Rich
Anderson interviews Martin about his top tips and advice for preparing and managing household heating bills for winter.
Resources
Read about our talented Energy Champion Anderson Jones and how he saves money on energy bill usage in his home: www.devoncommunities.org.uk/day-life-energy-champion-anderson-jones
