FROM April, people struggling to cope with unaffordable energy bills will be able to seek free advice and support.
A specialist Energywise Wokingham team will work with residents across Wokingham Borough who are struggling with the rising cost of living, or energy debt.
Launched by Citizens Advice Wokingham, the dedicated service will offer comprehensive home energy assessments tailored to people’s individual needs, helping them understand their energy use and identifying practical ways to make their home warmer, more efficient, and more affordable to run.
The Energywise Wokingham team will explore every available grant, discount, and financial support option to ensure that people receive the help they are entitled to.
The service will be especially focused on those who need it most, including low-income households, residents with health conditions, pensioners, families with young children, and people living in energy inefficient housing.
By getting in touch, residents can benefit from personalised support.
They will be able to choose between a face to face appointment in one of the borough’s Citizens Advice offices, a telephone appointment or, in certain cases, a home visit.
The team will not only help reduce energy costs and prevent debt, but can also improve health and wellbeing through warmer homes and greater financial stability.
Energywise Wokingham aims to empower people to take control of their energy situation with trusted, friendly guidance every step of the way.
People should ask themselves:
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Do I want to maximise my income to make sure I am receiving all the benefits I am entitled to?
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Do I have fuel debts and do I need help?
(In most cases the team can apply to trusts and foundations to help pay these off and give a fresh start.)
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Do I need advice on how to save energy around the home?
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Am I on the best energy tariff for me and my family?
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Do I have damp or mould in my property and don’t know what to do about it?
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Do I want to make energy saving improvements around the home, like a more efficient boiler or insulation?
(The team can help find the best grant scheme and help people apply.)
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Am I on a prepayment meter and need emergency fuel payments?
(The team will also provide free energy saving items around the home, if required.)
If any of the above apply, the team will be there to help.
For information, and to access support, people can visit: citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk to complete an online form.
Or they can email the team directly on energyadvice@cawokingham.org.uk.
Adviceline phone lines: 0808 278 7958 are open from 10am until 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Citizens Advice Wokingham offers a drop-in service at its Wokingham office on Mondays and Wednesdays from10am until noon, and on Fridays from 10am until 3pm.
Its Woodley office is open on Tuesdays from 10am until 4pm.
