Green Salford: Salford Energy House works with national charity to help billpayers facing fuel poverty

Environmental researchers at Salford Energy House are working with a national charity to come up with new advice on tackling energy and fuel poverty.

They have partnered with the National Energy Action (NEA) to create new tips for householders on the eve of Fuel Poverty Awareness Day.

The Salford Energy House, based at the University of Salford, is a unique facility containing a full-scale, two-bedroom terraced house within an environmental chamber.

The energy house allows researchers to conduct controlled testing of efficiency measures..

Colin Timmins, director of homes at NEA, highlighted the organisation’s efforts to combat fuel poverty through its partnership with Salford Energy House.

He said: “We’re creating this information to help people economise in their homes in ways that don’t impact their health but still deliver the biggest savings possible.”

The NEA supports households struggling with high energy bills and the associated health challenges.

The new initiatives include offering energy and debt advice, engaging with communities, and enabling energy efficiency retrofits to ensure installations are carried out correctly and consumer rights are protected.

Mr Timmins said: “Make sure that you keep as warm as possible. The temptation is to reduce your thermostat below a recommended level, but 18° is the minimum.”

A significant aspect of NEA’s work is research at Salford Energy House where tests focus on cost-effective heating strategies.

Early findings suggest that simple steps, such as optimising boiler settings, could improve heating system efficiency by up to 20%.

The NEA is also calling on the government to extend financial support for those in need.

He said: “We would like to see financial support considered for households and to ensure grant and funding schemes continue to be properly resourced so as many people as possible can access help.”

The partnership between NEA and the University of Salford exemplifies a focused effort to tackle fuel poverty with practical, research-based solutions. For more details on NEA’s initiatives and Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, click here.