New one-stop-shop for energy advice launches for Mid Suffolk residents

27/10/26

A new service to help residents access information and support to make their homes warmer, more energy efficient and cheaper to run has hit the road in Mid Suffolk.

The Retrofit Energy Advice for Communities and Households scheme, known as the REACH programme, offers residents clear, impartial guidance on home energy efficiency, alongside information on available grants, funding opportunities and other support schemes where appropriate.

The EV REACH van will support a programme of community roadshows and outreach events across Mid Suffolk, bringing trusted energy advice directly into local communities.

Events will be delivered both as stand-alone sessions and in partnership with existing community organisations and events, helping ensure support is accessible to a wide range of residents.

The van carries a range of practical resources and is staffed by dedicated energy advice officers who can offer one-to-one support, helping residents navigate available options and better understand the energy efficiency improvements that may be suitable for their home and circumstances.

Cllr Tim Weller, Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture and Wellbeing, said: “I am really pleased that the REACH programme is up and running, providing valuable tools and advice to residents in the district.

Over the past couple of years, we have seen energy bills skyrocket and continue to climb and with households facing huge bills, confusing options and unclear pathways to gain support, it became evident that we needed to do something.

Connecting people with practical advice, local support services and opportunities to reduce household costs, REACH is helping residents build resilience and improve wellbeing. The programme also promotes sustainable living, encouraging small changes that can lower energy use, reduce waste and deliver lasting financial and environmental benefits.”

By providing advice and engagement opportunities in community settings, the REACH programme aims to make trusted energy information more accessible, while enabling residents to discuss their individual circumstances and receive tailored guidance closer to home.

The programme underpins Mid Suffolk’s ambitions to support the improvement of energy efficiency of homes in the district as well as providing support to both landlords and homeowners in moving towards zero-carbon living.

Details on where to find the van, and how to access support, are available on the REACH webpage of the Mid Suffolk website.

L-R: Cllr Colin Lay, Cllr Tim Weller and Sorcha Prime