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Suffolk Centres for Warmth

If you are struggling with the cost of your energy bills, you can find a range of information on the support available via our cost of living webpages.

Centres for Warmth employ Support Officers to provide energy and financial inclusion support to residents. The project is hosted by East Suffolk Council - but covers all districts within Suffolk.

Officers attend community events to help people:

  • manage their energy costs
  • join the priority services register
  • check their benefits entitlement

They also raise awareness of the potential risks of carbon monoxide in the home.

In some cases, officers may support residents in their homes to help them understand their bills, negotiate payments, and look at energy efficiency measures and small grants.

This project has been funded for two years by Cadent - the largest gas network distribution network operator - to help people stay safer and warmer in their homes.

If you would like Centres for Warmth to attend a community event in your area - or you would like support with managing your energy costs or checking your benefits entitlement - you can contact Suffolk Centres for Warmth. Alternatively, call East Suffolk Council on 0333 016 2000 and ask for Centres for Warmth.

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the 'silent killer' as it is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas - and it's hard to detect.

An audible carbon monoxide alarm is recommended in each habitable room with a potential source of carbon monoxide (for example, a gas boiler, an open fire, or a solid fuel stove).

If you are in a rented property, the landlord should provide you with a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with fixed combustion appliances.

Cadent have published guidance about carbon monoxide (including symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning).

Read the smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regulations guidance (for landlords and tenants)

Reduce the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning

As well as fitting an audible carbon monoxide alarm, you can reduce risks in your home by making sure that:

  • gas appliances are properly installed and serviced by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer and
  • all chimneys and flues are cleaned annually, to prevent blockages

Could you be at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning?

According to a Cadent survey (conducted in 2020), just 51% of homeowners have their boiler serviced annually - and only 45% of homeowners have a working audible carbon monoxide alarm in their home.

Carbon monoxide alarms

When you purchase a carbon monoxide alarm, check it is marked EN50291 and displays the British Standards' Kitemark.

If you are a homeowner and you are struggling to afford a carbon monoxide alarm and or gas boiler servicing, contact Suffolk Centres for Warmth to check whether you are eligible for free support.

In an emergency

If you suspect that carbon monoxide is present in your home, call Cadent for free on 0800 111 999.

 

Priority Services Register

The Priority Services Register is a completely free service, which is designed to make it easier for those who need extra help to manage their energy supply and meter readings.

Examples of the benefits of being on this register include:

  • Provision of alternative heating and cooking facilities, should your gas supply be interrupted as part of our works
  • Receiving information in other formats (for example, large print, audio CD, braille)
  • Receiving an annual free gas safety check (where eligible) to check that your gas supply and appliances are safe to use
  • Advance notice of planned power cuts by your electricity network operator so you can prepare, or advise them that you may need help on the day
  • Priority support in the event of a power cut

Join the Priority Services Register

You can also sign up by contacting your water, gas or electricity supplier directly.

Locking cooker valves

When you care for a person who has a condition such as dementia, cognitive impairment, or autism, it can often help to have additional measures in place to provide extra peace of mind.

Cadent offer a free locking cooker valve fitting service, which gives caregivers control over the gas to the cooker - which will prevent any issues caused by accidentally leaving the gas on.

You can apply for a free locking cooker valve online. Alternatively, you can phone Cadent on 0800 389 8000.

 

How energy efficient is your home?

The energy efficiency rating of your home will depend on a range of factors. They include:

  • how your home is heated (fuel type, appliances, controls)
  • the construction of your home
  • how well it is insulated

Homes that have been rented out or sold within the last ten years should have a valid energy performance certificate (EPC). Your certificate will provide you with an indication of energy bills, and will list potential energy efficiency measures that could be introduced.

You can find your property's EPC online, via your postcode

Warm Homes Suffolk is a programme managed by councils in Suffolk, which offers homeowners and private tenants free energy efficiency surveys - as well as advice for homes without mains gas about energy efficiency grants that are available.

Reading your meter

With rising energy costs, it is important to make sure that your energy bills are accurate and not estimated, and that the amount you pay matches what you are using.

If you pay by credit, sending regular meter meetings (ideally monthly) to your energy supplier can really help - especially if you've moved home recently, and or your circumstances and energy usage changes.

How to read your gas or electricity meter