The below articles include tips and advice to help you reduce your energy use and provide you with information about energy saving and sustainable measures that can be made in your home, business or organisation.

West Cheshire residents are able to benefit from a community-led solar panel initiative that will boost local renewable energy generation, cut carbon emissions and help households save on energy bills.

Residents across the borough are coming together to invest in renewable energy sources through a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage. Solar Together helps homeowners feel confident that they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from pre-approved installers.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has, for the third year running, joined Cheshire East Council and Warrington Borough Council to offer the initiative to Cheshire residents.

Residents can join the group-buying scheme, which offers solar panels with optional battery storage and EV charge points, as well as retrofit battery storage, for residents who have already invested in solar panels and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate. The scheme allows homeowners to increase their independence from the national grid.

It’s free to register on the Solar Together website, and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation. Cheshire West and Chester Council is working in partnership with iChoosr, experts in sustainable energy transition, to make the transition to clean energy as cost-effective and hassle-free as possible.

Rob Kinder, a resident of west Cheshire, recently shared their experience with Solar Together. Rob said: "With the costs of energy going up so high, we couldn’t afford not to do it. We’ve been so impressed with the amount of energy they actually generate and it’s a nice feeling that you’re generating your own power. The installers were really thorough and we’ve already recommended them to friends."

How does it work?

• Householders can register online to become part of the group for free and without obligation.
• Pre-approved UK solar PV suppliers participate in a reverse auction. They are able to offer competitive pricing as the volume and geographic concentration makes it possible for them to realise greater efficiencies, which they pass on with lower prices for installations.
• After the auction, registered households will be emailed a personal recommendation which is specific to the details they submitted in their registration.
• If they choose to accept their recommendation, the specifics of their installation will be confirmed with a technical survey, after which a date can be set for the installation of their solar PV system.
• Telephone and email help desks are on-hand throughout the whole process which, together with information sessions, will allow households to make an informed decision in a safe and hassle-free environment.

Cllr Paul Donovan, Cabinet Member for Democracy, Workforce and Communities, said: "This is the third year that we’re offering residents in west Cheshire the chance to invest in renewable energy through the Solar Together initiative. 447 households have already benefited from having solar panels or batteries installed over the last two years, providing people with the opportunity to generate their own energy, make savings on their bills and play their part helping the borough to reach its net zero target.

"If you have been considering if solar energy could work for you, this is a great opportunity to find out and receive a no-obligation quote from a trusted provider."

Marie-Louise Abretti, Solar Together UK Business Manager, said: "With energy prices continuing to fluctuate, residents of west Cheshire are looking for opportunities to reduce their carbon emissions, save on energy bills, and increase their independence from the grid. The Solar Together group-buying scheme offers a straightforward way to make an informed decision and to access a competitive offer from a trusted, vetted provider."

iChoosr has been collaborating with UK councils since 2015 on its Solar Together scheme, aiming to accelerate the energy transition nationwide. The initiative aims to encourage residents to partake in the collective purchase of solar PV and battery storage systems. To date, in west Cheshire Solar Together has delivered more than 400 installations – leading to more than 330 tonnes of avoided carbon emissions.

iChoosr’s schemes have been delivered in partnership with local authorities in five countries. More than 116 schemes have led to 157,000 residents installing solar PV systems.

Warm Homes Grant funding is expected to be available until 31 March 2028 in west Cheshire for home insulation and renewables such as heat pumps and solar panels. The grant has been made possible by funding from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero.

Grants are available for homes which have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) that is Band D, E, F or G. You can check on the Energy Performance Certificate Register for your address. If your property doesn't have a certificate, we can help you to arrange one if you qualify for this scheme.

The amount of grant you can apply for varies depending on your property and the type of work that is needed. Homeowners are typically not expected to pay anything towards the scheme unless building repairs are needed before the insulation or renewables can be installed. In private rented properties, the landlord is expected to make a minimum 50 per cent contribution to the scheme after the first property.

Typical improvements to your home that may be carried out using the grant, include:

• solid wall insulation (internal or external)
• cavity wall insulation
• loft, room-in-roof and flat roof insulation
• under-floor insulation
• heat pump
• solar photovoltaic (PV) panels for electricity generation
• high heat retention electric storage heaters, where a heat pump isn't suitable
• heating controls.

The target is for the energy efficiency measures to improve your EPC rating by at least two bands - for example, if your home is Band E, it should reach Band C or above with the planned improvements.

To qualify, you must be a homeowner who is living in the property as their main residence, or a private tenant, and meet the income criteria listed below.

• You receive an income related benefit (for example, Universal Credit, Pension Credit Guarantee, Council Tax Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or Tax Credits), or
• Your total household income before tax, National Insurance and other deductions is no more than £36,000, or
• Your total household income before tax, National Insurance and other deductions is no more than £20,000 after your housing costs have been deducted (by housing costs, we mean mortgage payments, rent payments and Council Tax).

When we calculate your household income, we will ignore any disability benefits (such as Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance) so this will not count towards your household income. If you think you may be eligible please contact: homeenergy@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

A member of the Council’s Climate Change Team will contact you to confirm your eligibility (we will ask you to provide us with documents to confirm your income) and explain the next steps.

If you have electric heating (storage heaters, electric boilers or electric underfloor heating) you may be one of the almost one million homes in the UK that have a Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter.

The technology used for RTS meters is becoming obsolete and, on Monday, 30 June 2025, the RTS will switch off.

Take action now

Unless you arrange a replacement with your energy supplier now, your heating and hot water may stop working, stay on all the time or turn on/off at odd times of the day and could result in your energy bills increasing.

To avoid disruption, you should contact your electricity supplier as soon as possible to arrange for a meter replacement. You don’t need to pay anything to have the meter changed.

For more details on replacing your meter visit:

• The Energy Saving Trust
• Ofgem

Eco Communities Founding Director, Helen Tandy has been speaking with Andy Rawlins from Energy Saving Trust and here is some information from Andy I hope you will find of interest. Definitely complete the Homewise questionnaire – Top Tip - have your annual gas and electricity kWh ready.

There’s a new on service in town for those looking to reduce their energy bills and carbon emissions. Energywise’s free low carbon technology advice service is now available to all residents in Cheshire West and Chester.

What is Energywise?

Energywise is run by the experts at Energy Saving Trust. It provides tailored advice to help you make informed decisions about energy saving technologies, such as solar panels or heat pumps. Completing its Homewise tool provides you with a free, personalised plan and costed roadmap for home energy efficiency upgrades that match your budget and goals. Additionally, Energywise can connect you with accredited installers and provide information about funding opportunities to make getting these improvements easier.

Getting a plan

Getting started with Energywise is simple. You can visit the Energywise website and complete its Homewise tool by answering some questions about your property. This creates a customised plan outlining the most effective energy saving measures specific to your needs.

If you’d prefer to speak to someone directly, Energywise provides expert advice and a plan for your home via phone, email or WhatsApp. It also helps you find certified installers and explore funding opportunities, making the process of improving energy efficiency as seamless as possible.

Energy Saving Trust

Energy Saving Trust manages the service on behalf of SP Energy Networks. It empowers households across the UK to make informed energy choices as part of its mission to address the climate emergency. With its expertise, the advice and support you receive from Energywise are both reliable and tailored to your home.

Who can benefit?

Energywise is available to residents in areas served by SP Energy Networks, including all of Cheshire West and Chester. Use this energy networks postcode checker to confirm if your postcode is covered by SP Energy Networks, and therefore eligible for Energywise’s free service.

Getting started

• Visit the website: use the Homewise tool at getenergywise.org.uk.(External link)
• Contact an advisor: for direct support, message via WhatsApp(External link) or call 0808 1968268, which are available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, excluding public holidays.
• Submit a contact form: for an email response fill out the website’s contact form.(External link)

By taking advantage of Energywise, you are not only improving your home's energy efficiency but also helping create a more sustainable future for Cheshire West and Chester. Start your journey today and discover how low carbon technologies can transform your home.

With energy bills remaining high, many of us are looking for ways to power our homes and keep them warm and cosy in the most cost effective way.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has a number of schemes currently running that can help eligible homeowners to make energy efficient improvements to their homes. These include:

• Home Upgrade Grant - This grant is available for residents living in properties that don't have mains gas heating and have a low energy efficiency rating (Energy Performance Certificate Band D, E, F or G). The grant can help cover the cost of improvements like loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, or even a new heating system.
• Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme – This is a national Government scheme aimed at improving the energy efficiency of eligible domestic properties to help reduce fuel poverty and lower carbon emissions. Those classed as living on a low household income, people vulnerable to the effects of living in a cold home or those in receipt of qualifying benefits can apply.
• Home Safety Grants – These are available to homeowners to carry out urgent repairs where there is a serious risk of harm to the occupier.
• Decent Homes Loan – This loan can help with essential repairs such as roof work, used to fund heating systems, insulation measures or to update kitchen and bathroom facilities. This is a means-tested equity loan for homeowners on low income who need to improve their home and bring it up the government’s ‘Decent Home Standard’.

For full details on all of these schemes visit: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/homeenergyhelp

If you don't qualify for any of the grants or loans, or simply want to start with some easier changes, there are plenty of things you can do to make your home more energy efficient without a major investment.

Simple steps to be more energy efficient this winter

Be a heat detective: Feel around your windows and doors for draughts. Even small gaps can let a lot of heat escape. Seal them up with draught excluders or weather stripping. Visit the Get Energy Savvy website to find out the best way to find a draught and how to insulate.

Turn down the thermostat: If you are in good health, consider lowering your heating by 1 degree which can make a big difference to your energy bill. Aim for a comfortable temperature around 18-21°C.

Layer up: Instead of cranking up the heat, put on a jumper and slippers. Cosy throws can also help you feel warmer without relying on the heating.

Embrace natural light: Open your curtains during the day to let the sunshine in. This will naturally warm your home and reduce the need for artificial lighting. Don’t forget to close your curtains at dusk to help retain heat.

Switch it off: Don't leave appliances on standby – turn them off completely when not in use. Even phone chargers and TVs use energy when left plugged in. The Get Energy Savvy website has some useful information on kitchen and washing appliances that might help.

Shower power: Opt for a shower instead of a bath. Showers typically use less hot water, saving you energy and money. Groundwork’s Green Doctors have some tips on their website for changing your bath and shower habits.

Washing wisdom: Wash clothes at 30°C instead of higher temperatures. It's just as effective for most loads and uses less energy. Read the Which? washing machine temperature guide.

Light bulb switch-up: Replace traditional light bulbs with energy-saving LED bulbs. They last longer and use much less energy. Read Get Energy Savvy’s website post about LED light bulbs to find out how much you could save.

Kitchen efficiency: Only boil the amount of water you need in the kettle. Use lids for pots and pans while cooking to trap heat.

Extra energy efficient steps to take

If you're ready to take things a step further, consider these options:

Loft insulation: A quarter of heat can be lost through the roof in an uninsulated home. A properly insulated loft is essential for keeping heat in your home. The Energy Saving Trust has a guide on roof and loft insulation which includes things to consider before installing.

Wall insulation: Adding cavity wall insulation can significantly reduce heat loss through your walls. Read the Energy Saving Trusts guide to installing wall insulation.

Energy-efficient appliances: When replacing old appliances, choose models with high energy efficiency ratings. Find out more about the UK’s energy ratings and what they mean on the Energy Saving Trusts website.

Details of a range of retrofitting options can be found on the Energy for Everyone hub.

Cost of living support

With the cost of living increasing many people can find this time of year particularly tough. The Council has a Cost of Living webpage that sign posts residents to the help available to them in the borough. Visit the Cost of Living page.

The Inspiring change together platform also provides residents with a safe space to share stories, advice and tips that will support and inspire others through the rising cost of living. Visit the Inspiring change together platform.

Further reading

For more information and advice on making your home energy efficient, check out these resources:

Energy Saving Trust: https://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/

Get Energy Savvy - https://www.getenergysavvy.info/

Groundwork’s Green Doctor service - https://www.groundwork.org.uk/greendoctor/

Energy Projects Plus - https://www.epplus.org.uk/

Retrofitting your home can help to make your home warmer and more comfortable to live in. Making energy efficiency improvements, or retrofitting, simply means installing energy measures that were not originally part of your property.

These measures will make your home warmer, reduce your carbon emissions by reducing the amount of energy you use and may even lower your energy bills.

View a PDF document providing advice on retrofitting your home.

The Council is participating in a number of funding schemes that can help eligible residents make retrofit improvements to their home.

Full details can be found on the Council’s website www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/energy

Organisations such as Green Doctors can offer general retrofit advice so you are aware of the potential measures and benefits for you. For information visit: www.groundwork.org.uk/projects/green-doctor/

Residents of Cheshire are coming together to invest in renewable energy sources through a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage.

Last year over 220 residents benefited from the Solar Together scheme in west Cheshire and now the scheme has reopened to help more homeowners with the opportunity to combat the increasing cost of living and volatile energy prices by generating clean energy.

Cheshire residents can join the group-buying scheme, which offers solar panels with optional battery storage and EV charge points, as well as retrofit battery storage for residents who have already invested in solar panels and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate. The scheme allows homeowners to increase their independence from the national grid and feel confident they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from qualified installers.

In 2023 over 2,400 residents in the borough registered their interest in the scheme with each participant receiving a personalised estimation and recommendation for a solar panel system tailored to their energy needs and roof suitability. The price achieved for an average 14-panel system was 37% less than the typical market price for an equivalent system at the that time.

Residents can register for this year’s Solar Together scheme for free on the Solar Together website, and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation. Local councils in Cheshire, including Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire East Council and Warrington Borough Council, are working in partnership with iChoosr, experts in sustainable energy transition, to make the transition to clean energy as cost-effective and hassle-free as possible.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: "We’re delighted with the success of the first round of the Solar Together Cheshire and Warrington scheme and how residents in the borough have embraced this renewable energy solution. This initiative is playing its part to help the borough to become carbon neutral by 2045 and has empowered more residents and businesses to install renewable energy solutions in their properties. Helping people to explore renewable energy options that can help with reduction in energy bills and improve the energy efficiency of local properties continues to be a priority. We look forward to seeing this initiative help more residents and businesses across the borough.”

Maureen Hobbs from Neston recently shared their experience with Solar Together and said: "My focus was on making a positive impact on the environment if possible. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the installation took place."

How does it work?

• Householders can register online to become part of the group for free and without obligation.
• Approved UK solar PV suppliers participate in a reverse auction. They are able to offer competitive pricing as the volume and geographic concentration makes it possible for them to realise greater efficiencies, which they pass on with lower prices for installations.
• After the auction, registered households will be emailed a personal recommendation which is specific to the details they submitted in their registration.
• If they choose to accept their recommendation, the specifics of their installation will be confirmed with a technical survey after which a date can be set for the installation of their solar PV system.
• Telephone and email helpdesks are on-hand throughout the whole process which, together with information sessions, will allow households to make an informed decision in a safe and hassle-free environment.

Marie-Louise Abretti, Solar Together UK Business Manager, added: “With energy prices continuing to fluctuate, residents of Cheshire are looking for opportunities to reduce their carbon emissions, save on energy bills, and increase their independence from the grid. The Solar Together group-buying scheme offers a straightforward way to make an informed decision and to access a competitive offer from a trusted, vetted provider.”

iChoosr has been collaborating with UK councils since 2015 on its Solar Together scheme, aiming to accelerate the energy transition nationwide. The initiative aims to encourage residents to partake in the collective purchase of solar PV and battery storage systems. To date, Solar Together has installed nearly 7,000 solar panels in Cheshire, reducing carbon emissions by 12,490 tonnes over 25 years – equivalent to 6,290 cars off the road in that time.

iChoosr’s schemes have been delivered in partnership with local authorities in five countries. More than 180 schemes have led to 178,000 residents installing solar PV systems.

If you’ve been keeping an eye on energy-saving initiatives, you might have heard about the ECO4 Scheme – a government program that helps low-income and vulnerable households cut energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.

To help reduce the carbon emissions associated with some of the boroughs most inefficient homes the Council’s Climate Change team have appointed Grant Store to help deliver the Council’s ECO4 Flex scheme.

The national ECO4 scheme offers insulation and clean-heat technology to eligible homes, helping to reduce energy bills and improve thermal comfort for residents’ health and wellbeing.

To be eligible residents must have a low household income or a qualifying health condition and a property Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of Band E, F or G. The types of energy efficiency upgrades available include wall and loft insulation, air source heat pumps, efficient electric storage heaters and solar panels.

To find out more visit the Council’s home energy webpage: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/homeenergyhelp or Grant Store's website:
www.grant-store.com/energy-grants/cheshire-flex .

Alternatively, residents can query their eligibility with Grant Store by calling: 01942 918844.

Although the earth is often called the blue planet, out of all the water on the planet there is less than 1% accessible fresh water for us to use. It is important that we use water wisely and cut down on wasting this precious resource.

Population growth, rising water use and climate change will increasingly affect future water resources in the UK. If water efficiency action is not increased, the country could be hit by water shortages by 2050.

Water Saving Week takes place between 13 – 17 May, 2024, with a focus of encouraging all of us to incorporate small water-saving habits into our daily routines, so that collectively we can make a big impact on water conservation.

There are lots of ways to play your part to conserve water.

• Shorten your shower time – a short shower with an efficient showerhead uses less water than a bath. Aim for a 4 minute shower if possible.
• Use your dual flush function on your toilet – this gives the user the choice of how much water to use and typically only uses 4 – 6 litres of water per flush compared to the old style flush system which used 13 litres per flush.
• Turn off your tap – turn off your tap when brushing your teeth – a running tap wastes approximately 6 litres per minute.
• Take time to fix your leaking taps – this could be wasting around 5,500 litres of water a year and could be a simple fix if you just need the washer replacing.
• Use your dishwasher effectively – if you have a dishwasher make sure you use is on the eco setting and always make sure it is full when you use it.
• Check your washing machine manual – find out which cycles are the most water-efficient and make sure you are putting a full load of washing in to make the most of the water and energy you are using during a washing cycle.
• Water your plants with any leftover water – this could be from your drinks, tumble dryer, washing up or even bath water.
• Fill the kettle with just what you need – this will save water and save you money by cutting down the amount of time it takes to boil.
• Be consideration in the garden – if you can, use a watering can to water your plants, collecting water from a water butt in your garden. If you do need to use a hose try attaching a trigger nozzle to halve the amount of water used and help direct the flow to the root of your plant.
  
  

The Waterwise website has lots more tips and advice on ways to save water, visit: Save Water – Waterwise

By making some of these small changes part of our daily habits we could save thousands of litres a year, alongside saving ourselves money and helping the planet.