Alex Hodson on how The Heet Project can help Enfield residents cope with cold weather

The Heet Project can offer advice and help people access grants for home energy improvements (credit The Heet Project)

Many Enfield residents are living with fuel poverty, in cold homes that are affecting their health, facing bills rising faster than their incomes.

Lots of local people struggle to afford gas, electric or water bills, owe money to their energy suppliers, or live in cold or damp homes.

The most recent assessments suggested nearly 14% of the borough’s population live in fuel poverty.

Enfield Council declared a ‘climate emergency‘ in 2019 and aims for the borough to become carbon neutral by 2040. But with lots of old, poorly-heated and insulated housing, and high levels of poverty across much of Enfield, the council faces huge challenges in meeting these targets – especially when it comes to housing and domestic carbon emissions.

Insulating more local homes and more effective control of heating systems could not only save Enfield residents money but also reduce carbon emissions – helping to tackle climate change and fuel poverty are closely linked.

Rises in the cost of living have affected millions, but if you are an Enfield resident being hit hard, The Heet Project might be able to help!

We are a not-for-profit organisation working in north-east London. We help households to save money on fuel bills, stay warm and healthy at home, save energy and cut carbon emissions.

Whether you rent from a private landlord, council or housing association, or own your own home, if you’re receiving benefits, on a low income, have disabilities, are facing fuel poverty, or are vulnerable due to your health conditions or age, we can arrange a free visit to your home.

When we visit we will offer you advice on energy saving in the home; help you better understand and control your heating; assess your home for energy efficiency improvements; and refer you for grants or heating repairs.

We can also check you’re getting the right discounts on gas, electric and water bills; help resolve basic issues with energy suppliers; direct you to energy debt advice; help with fuel vouchers and support with benefits you may be entitled to; and advise on issues with mould, damp or condensation.

We are also working with Enfield Voluntary Action and Citizens Advice on a five-year National Lottery-funded project, training workers and volunteers from Enfield community organisations to create a network of ‘energy champions’. This should expand the reach of energy advice, support and self-help in the borough. Training of the second cohort of champions began last month!

For more information about The Heet Project:
Call 020 8520 1900
Visit theheetproject.org.uk

To be able to help all the people who need support The Heet Project has launched a new crowdfunder. To donate:
Visit localgiving.org/fundraising/act_on_fuel_poverty

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