What can I do to reduce my energy bills?

There are long-term solutions to reducing your fuel bills even if you privately rent. These include making sure the property is fitted with loft and cavity wall insulation as well as ensuring the heating system is energy efficient.

Up to 25 per cent of the heat in a property could be escaping through the roof so it needs to be insulated and this could save up to £220 a year. The same is true for the walls of a property so if it has cavity walls, leaving them un-insulated could be costing you up to £160 a year.

For more informations on what grants and schemes are available - visit London Warm Zone.

Newham Council works in partnership with the London Warm Zone (LWZ) to offer private tenants and homeowner grants for:

• New central heating systems
• Installation of loft and cavity wall insulation
• In addition, LWZ's Welfare Advice Team can also help residents claim any benefits to which they are entitled.

If you are a tenant aged 70 or over OR are in receipt of an income or disability-related benefit, LWZ may be able to arrange FREE loft and cavity insulation. They could also arrange grants of up to 100 per cent of the cost for boiler repairs or replacement and heating upgrades for residents who are in receipt of certain state benefits.

Private tenants can apply for grants but the landlord must agree as works will only take place with the landlord's permission as they must agree to maintain and service the improvements and not make resultant rent increases for the two years following an installation.

The grant application must be made by the tenant, not the landlord.


Can you talk to my landlord for me?

LWZ are also happy to talk to a landlord on your behalf regarding energy efficiency improvements. All work is carried out by LWZ's approved contractors and is subject to funding and eligibility criteria.

The LWZ scheme also provides access to Warm Front, the national government heating and insulation grant scheme for vulnerable residents. Any resident approaching LWZ for assistance is automatically assessed for eligibility for Warm Front.

LWZ also offer heavily discounted "Able to Pay" rates of up to 75 per cent for both cavity wall and loft insulation, regardless of the income of the tenant, landlord or homeowner.


Why should I be interested in energy efficiency?

Keeping warm in the winter and cool in the summer (insulation does both) is important for keeping healthy, especially if there are elderly people or young children living at the property.
Landlords are required to provide adequate and affordable heating systems. If these standards are not met, the council's Private Sector Housing Group has the power to serve an improvement notice or, in extreme cases, a prohibition order.

Before you sign up to a new tenancy ask your landlord or agent for a copy of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for the house you are interested in renting. Valid for 10 years, the EPC will provide landlords and tenants with information on the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of their property in an easy-to-understand fridge-style rating of G (very bad) to A (excellent). For example, on a property with a rating of E your fuel bills will be much more expensive than for a similar property with a B rating.


What can I do that is free and can save energy costs?

If you are already renting there are some changes that cost nothing to implement and could save hundreds of pounds every year.

1. Turn appliances off (turn off red lights)
   Using standby instead of turning off appliances continues to use energy. By turning off every unused appliance in your home you could save £80 a year. Also remember to unplug your mobile phone charger when not in use.
   
2. Turn off unused lights
   Even using energy efficient lights, turning off unnecessary lighting could save £20 a year.
   
3. Turn the heating down
   Turning the heating down just 1°C can save £30 a year (please note that the recommended temperature is 21°C).
   
4. Cooler water
   Turning down the hot water thermostat to 60°C could save £10 for every 1°C.
   
5. Only boil the water you need
   Each time you boil the kettle, only put in the amount of water you need. This could save you £20 a year. Regularly de-scaling kettles will also make them more efficient.
   
6. Wash clothes at 30°C
   Clothes will be cleaned just as effectively and you could save £15 a year. This may also reduce wear on the machine and clothing and should extend their lifetime.
   
7. Cooking
   Put lids on pots when cooking.
   
8. Don't let taps drip
   A dripping hot water tap wastes energy and in one week wastes enough hot water to fill half a bath, so get your landlord to fix leaking taps and make sure they're fully turned off!
   
9. Close curtains
   Close your curtains in the evening to stop heat escaping through the windows.

For further information contact:

Domestic Energy Efficiency Team

Housing and Public Protection Service
Business and Social Enterprise Group
Broadway Chambers
530-542 High Street North
Manor Park
London E12 6QN
Tel: 020 8430 6460

Visit Warm Front or if you have any query about the Warm Front Scheme, please call freephone 0800 316 2805.

Useful Links

• Visit London Warm Zone or call freephone 0800 389 7286.
• The Energy Savings Trust advice centre offers free personalised and impartial advice on energy efficiency, water, waste and personal transport. The advice is available for all residents.
  To find out more on call them on 0800 512 012.
• Act on CO2 Carbon Footprint Calculator
  
  

Download this information as a handy fact sheet.