Energy Outreach Project
supporting devon's communities through the challenges of the energy crisis and increasing cost of living
Please note: our energy advice service will begin again in the autumn of 2026 - watch this space!
Each autumn/winter, Devon Communities Together is here to provide help and support to people via our fully trained Energy Champions, as part of the Energy Outreach Project (funded by Citizens Advice). The Energy Outreach Project is a national initiative that collaborates with local projects in England and Wales to help vulnerable people manage energy costs and improve home energy efficiency. It offers community presentations, drop-in sessions and telephone support to provide advice on bills, energy saving and government support.
how do we help?
1. community energy presentations
Nowadays, we are all worried about our energy bills. We can come to your Village Hall or other community space and provide a tailored presentation about the ways in which you could save energy and access additional support.
Who are the presentations for?
You may wish to arrange a presentation 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 period.
Alternatively you could encourage some of your users/contacts to invite us along to one of their events. We can attend coffee mornings, lunch clubs, village markets, as well as bespoke events. We are happy to undertake repeat visits to locations and organisations we have helped in the past.
Also, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for up to date sessions.
Depending on your community's needs, we can cover topics including:
- 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
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 advice DROP IN sessions
We love running our free energy 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
If you would like one of our Energy Champions to come to your event or group, let us know. Contact anderson.jones@devoncommunities.org.uk, martin@devoncommunities.org.uk, or call 01392 248919.
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.
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
