Low Carbon Hub, a social enterprise that has operated in Oxfordshire for over a decade, released its Warmer Winter Checklist on 28 November 2022. The guide sets out tips and resources intended to help residents across the county keep their homes warm and healthy while using less energy, as energy costs rise1.
The organisation said the checklist is designed to help households make simple changes, often at low or no cost, that could cut energy use and bills while retaining a warm home1. It covers subjects including understanding the energy cap and where to go for support people are entitled to1. Low Carbon Hub said the government's pledge to cap the average bill and support through the Energy Bills Support Scheme would give temporary respite for some, but that people are still experiencing a doubling of energy costs over the last twelve months1. It identified young families, tenants in private rental properties, and people in old or poorly insulated homes as among those at greatest risk of fuel poverty, and cited around 8,500 winter deaths caused by cold homes1.
Alongside the checklist, Low Carbon Hub launched a Crowdfunder for people across Oxfordshire experiencing fuel poverty, with a target of £15,0001. The money raised will fund a Home Energy Advisor and Energy Champions to attend community events and offer free energy advice to residents1. The organisation said the response so far had taken the appeal past halfway1.
"Spiralling energy costs means winter is going to be particularly difficult for many people. By providing practical advice on everything from understanding the energy cap, to where to go for the support they are entitled to, we can help more people afford the energy they need. More efficient homes also help reduce the pressure on precious energy supplies, which is good for people, and good for the planet."
Why it matters for households
The checklist addresses the demand side of a home's energy position: how much gas and electricity it uses, and what that costs. For a household, lower demand is the part of energy independence that sits inside the building, rather than with a supplier, network or government scheme. Low Carbon Hub's stated aim is that low- or no-cost changes can reduce consumption without leaving a home cold, and that more efficient homes ease pressure on supplies1.
The advice element is separate from the Crowdfunder. The checklist is available to any household that wants it, while the £15,000 appeal funds in-person advice through a Home Energy Advisor and Energy Champions at community events in Oxfordshire1. The organisation has not reported how the funded advice will be allocated between areas or households, nor how applicants will be selected.
The press release does not give figures for expected savings from the checklist, nor a breakdown of the measures it recommends. It also does not state how many households the funded advice is expected to reach. Those details have not been reported1.
What happens next
The Crowdfunder remains open, with Low Carbon Hub reporting it was over halfway to its £15,000 target as of 28 November 20221. No closing date for the appeal, and no date for the Home Energy Advisor or Energy Champions to begin work, is given in the announcement1. The checklist is available from Low Carbon Hub directly1.
Households wanting background on the organisation can read our guide to Low Carbon Hub, and practical steps on cutting home energy use are collected in the how-to hub. The wider picture of household energy independence and community-run supply through local energy supply and energy local clubs set out how locally owned generation and advice fit together.