Many households are expected to face fuel poverty this winter as worries over the cost of living crisis deepens. The typical household energy bill will hit £3,549 a year, regulator Ofgem has announced today - up from £1,971. PeCAN is offering tips and advice to anyone struggling.

We are helping people across Petersfield and beyond to reduce their carbon emissions. We know for many this recent announcement by Ofgem will be hugely concerning.

New analysis from Citizens Advice shows 1 in 4 people in the UK simply won’t be able to afford to pay their energy bills in October.

The price cap limits what you pay for each unit of gas and electricity you use, and sets a maximum daily standing charge. It is based largely on wholesale energy prices and applies only to standard and default tariffs.

PeCAN trustee Peter Moss said: “We know this is a worrying time for everyone and we want to help people to reduce their energy bills as well as their carbon footprint.
“Here in the UK we have some of the most poorly insulated and least energy efficient homes in Europe.
“There are many small steps we can take to reduce energy use and we would encourage everyone to follow these simple tips and consider what they can do to make their homes more energy efficient.
“In the long term, we believe we can work together to make sustainable changes in our local communities and beyond.”

Getting your home retrofitted and modernised for 21st century living is a big step. There are smaller steps we can take to reduce our carbon footprint and cut our energy bills in the meantime and PeCAN has a whole host of tips to take on board.

⦁ Limit use of the tumble dryer - using it 3 times a week costs around £54 a year.
⦁ Replace inefficient light bulbs with LED ones and ensure you turn lights off when you’re not in the room.
⦁ Cover pots and pans when you’re cooking, use your microwave where possible and use your slow cooker.
⦁ Turn down your thermostat - for every degree you turn it down you could reduce your energy bill by 4%.
⦁ Choose thermal or heavy curtains to keep out draughts.
⦁ Wear additional layers in the winter and heat the one or two rooms you use the most to reduce your energy usage.
⦁ Take quick showers instead of baths to lower both your water and your energy use.
⦁ There are many more ideas on our website.

PeCAN is also running The Petersfield Area Super Homes (PASH) project as a way for people to make their homes warm and comfortable while reducing their energy bills and carbon footprint.

The project arranges for a professional retrofit coordinator to come to your home and carry out an independent, impartial survey that is specific to your home.

The recommendations typically include suggestions for loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, double glazing, solar panels, ventilation and finally, the possibility of ditching the boiler and installing a heat pump instead.

Although there is a cost associated with the plan, there are subsidies which you may be eligible for.

Take a look at the Whole House Retrofit Plan to find out more.