Energy for everyone

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.

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.

There are many misconceptions around electric vehicle (EV) charging and the costs of owning or leasing an EV that act as a barrier to ownership.

With EVs becoming more popular and people's interest in them increasing, we’ve put together a list of common myths that are often part of discussions around this topic.

Myth: EVs are an expensive option

Reality: Take into account the real-life costs of a vehicle. So that means purchase / leasing costs, plus all running costs. Through careful selection of electricity providers - with off peak rates for electricity - smart charging an EV at night and taking advantage of lower electric rates has a major impact on vehicle running costs. Some energy providers, such as Octopus Energy, deliver peak and off peak energy supply options. Using smart charging, off peak, with the tariff system, can deliver great savings.

Along with the above benefits, an EV has fewer moving parts, so that reduces servicing costs. Then add in road tax benefits as EV cars are exempted from this. For those employed or in business, accessing the Salary Sacrifice option can mean high tax savings as the scheme rewards EV drivers. When considering purchasing an EV car it is worth comparing the real-life costs of petrol / diesel v EV. This article by the RAC has compared vehicles and the costs involved.

A number of surveys have shown that at least 90% of EV drivers would never go back to a petrol or diesel car, including a report by EVA England in December 2023 which states that 91% of EV drivers have no intention of returning to a petrol or diesel car. 92% of EV drivers would likely recommend an EV to friends and family. 86% have found owning an EV cheaper to run.

Myth: If I get an EV I will have nowhere to charge it

Reality: If you do not have off street charging capability, then there are public EV charging options. Whilst the EV charging infrastructure needs significant development both locally, regionally, and nationally, there is already a provision of EV charging that with some sensible route and time planning should allow any EV owner to charge and get full benefit from their EV.

Across the borough, there are currently 199 Public EV chargers, with 40 of those chargers classed as rapid, meaning their output is at least 25kW or above. As an example, if your EV had a 54kW battery and you used a 50kW direct current (DC) charger, then it could take around 45 - 50 minutes to reach 80% charged. There are often many alternative current (AC) fast chargers available in town centres / sports centres / hospitality providers, for example, and their output ranges from 7kW to 22kW. For a 7kW charger, that would take around seven hours to charge a 54kW battery. For context, it’s important to know that, whilst most people charge at home or at work, the UK’s public charging infrastructure is also continually growing. You can view your closest EV charging point on the Zap Map website.

Myth: Charging an EV takes a long time

Reality: This does depend on whether you are AC charging or DC charging, and the connector for your vehicle. Most EVs now have the rapid charging capability. This means that the electricity goes straight onto the battery, as DC charging – ie. not via the inverter (as is with AC charging). For example, if you have a 54kW battery, then when rapid charging from a 50kW DC charger, your charging takes just 48 minutes from empty to reach 80% full. That 80% threshold is important, as EVs are designed to charge quickly to the 80% level then much slower for the remaining 20%. So, being 80% charged is a good level to be at and the protects the life of the battery.

Myth: I will get range anxiety with an EV

Reality: There are public EV charging points available for all journeys. It is wise to plan in advance where you want to stop and re-charge, and Zap Mapsis a web portal that allows you to plan and give real time updates on the status of selected EV chargers. This gives you the option to charge as frequently as you would wish. The range of EVs is also increasing. It is standard now for EVs to have a range over 200 miles. With improved battery technology, that vehicle range is increasing, with many models having a real-world driving range of 300 miles or more. Read this article by the Green Car Guide for more information. Think about how far your normal journey usage is with a car? The average car journey in the UK in 2019 was 8.4miles*. That means on an 80% charge you could take an average of 19 journeys before needing to charge.

*Average Car Journeys in the UK | NimbleFins

Myth: Batteries have a short life and are not eco-friendly in their manufacture

Reality: Some EV manufacturers are now guaranteeing 100k miles or eight years for a battery life. As the cycle of mainstream EV ownership has not yet reached eight years, it is hard to know for sure what performance life is left in the battery beyond this point. That said, all the evidence points to batteries probably continuing to perform well post-eight years. There are early Nissan LEAF cars, from around 2010, still on the road. In terms of battery production, much progress is being made to make battery production more sustainable and with improved end-of-life battery solutions. Read more about the progress in this area on the Electric Vehicle Hub website.

Find out more at our upcoming EV awareness event

If you are interested in investing in an EV and would like to know some more about them before purchasing, the Council is hosting an EV awareness event on Tuesday, 21 May at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall. For more information about the event and to sign up for tickets, visit the Council’s website.

Green Doctors offer free, impartial advice to help people take control of their bills, save energy in the home and access other services and initiatives available. We work with public and private partners to ensure support reaches those who need it most in local communities.

Our support is available to a wide range of people, many of whom are struggling for the first time so don’t be shy about reaching out for help. In the UK, changes to energy prices and ongoing financial pressures as a result of the cost of living crisis has left many people finding it hard to heat their homes. If you or someone you know are worried about energy and water bills, then we might be able to help.

Some of the reasons people ask for help are:

• struggling to pay energy bills
• finding it hard to manage fuel and water debt
• worrying about keeping warm or choosing between eating and heating
• feeling that the home is cold, damp or draughty
• Have a health condition affected by the cold such as respiratory problems and mental ill health.

Our support includes the installation of small energy saving measures such as draughtproofing and radiator foils, help with boiler and heating controls, smart meters, water meters, fuel and water debt, registration on suppliers Priority Services Register, grants, behavioural change advice, referrals for free gas safety checks and financial assistance where available.

The scheme is open to residents across Cheshire West and Chester with a focus on families and individuals who:

• have a low household income
• are living with debt
• are aged over 65
• are living with a health condition affected by the cold
• are living with mental illness
• are living with dementia
• have a disability
• are young people and families containing children under the age of 5
• are pregnant
• are in emergency accommodation
• are living in poor housing conditions.

To find out more about our service please visit www.groundwork.org.uk/greendoctor(External link)

Email: greendoctor.CLM@groundwork.org.uk
Phone: 0330 1740 863

As more people are looking at options to save money and use sustainable sources of energy to power their home, solar panels have emerged as one of the leading solutions that provide a source of clean and renewable power.


There are lots of companies offering solar photovoltaic (PV)systems, but there are also a lot of myths and misconceptions which can cause confusion around this renewable technology.

Below are some of the common myths and the reality about solar panels.

Myth: Solar panels don’t work well in cloudy or rainy weather and require constant sunlight to be effective

Reality: Solar panels can generate electricity even on cloudy days. While their efficiency may be slightly reduced, they still produce power when the sun isn’t shining bright. They can generate electricity from diffused sunlight, which is light that has been scattered by particles in the atmosphere such as rain clouds before reaching the earth. This makes solar panels a viable option in regions with varying weather patterns, such as the UK. Rain can even help by cleaning the panels and improving their performance. Read Solar Together’s blog on this for more information.

Myth: Solar panels are expensive

Reality: The cost of solar panels has significantly decreased over the years. In a recent article on the Which? Website, the average solar panel system of 3.5kWp (kilowatt peak) will cost around £5,500 to install, according to estimates from the Energy Saving Trust.

The exact cost will vary, depending on the size of your home and how much energy you want to produce. Last year, the Council partnered with Solar Together, a group buying scheme, to offer residents in west Cheshire the opportunity to receive a competitive quote from a pre-vetted installer. The scheme is currently closed for new applicants, but you can register your interest and you’ll be informed if it opens for applicants in the future.

Myth: Solar panel production is harmful to the environment

Reality: While there is an environmental impact associated with manufacturing solar panels, the overall life cycle emissions are much lower compared to traditional energy sources, such as those generated by fossil fuels. The ongoing improvements in manufacturing processes are reducing their environmental footprint further and most solar waste is already recyclable, with a growing recycling industry developing around the recovery of materials for reuse. Read more about this topic in this Forbes article.

Myth: Solar panels require excessive maintenance

Reality: Solar panels are relatively low-maintenance. It is not necessary to clean your solar PV system, unless in areas of heavy leaf fall or bird activity, as there is regular rainfall all year round that does the cleaning for you. Monitoring the output of your solar panels will tell you if performance is dropping and a clean may be required. If you do wish to clean your solar panels use only lukewarm water and do not use any household cleaning products as they can damage your panels. If in doubt, ask a professional cleaner for their services. Most modern systems come with warranties and are designed to withstand various weather conditions.

Myth: Solar panels are unattractive and bulky
Reality: Solar panel designs have evolved, and there are sleek and more visually appealing options available. Some can even be integrated into building materials, such as in the tiles of your roof, making them a seamless part of the architecture.

Myth: Solar panels are not powerful enough to meet a property’s energy needs

Reality: Advances in solar technology have significantly increased the efficiency of solar panels. When properly sized and installed, solar systems can generate enough power to meet the energy needs of many homes and businesses. Using a local Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) installer will ensure they can advise on the correct type of system that will work for your households needs. The Centre for Sustainable Energy has a useful checklist of things to ask your installer in this article.

If you’d like to do more research on the subject the below articles are a good starting point:

• Centre for Alternative Technology
• Energy Saving Trust
• Solar Together