Four of the north of England’s utility companies are joining forces as part of Infrastructure North to launch a free energy saving guide, ‘Energy at home’, to mark Fuel Poverty Awareness Day on 26 February.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), Northern Powergrid, Yorkshire Water and Northumbrian Water, who together make up Infrastructure North, have launched a guide to highlight ways to use energy and water more efficiently in the home.

Through simple and practical advice, ‘Energy at Home’aims to help reduce household carbon emissions and save money on bills. It is estimated that 24% of households in the north of England are living in fuel poverty, where individuals are unable to heat their home to the level needed to stay warm, comfortable and healthy.

This booklet is part of a larger plan by the Infrastructure North group to help support those living in fuel poverty, and is hoped that it will raise awareness of the issue whilst highlighting the range of help and support that is available to vulnerable members of the community. As well as simple and practical energy efficiency advice the guide also provides water saving tips, health and safety advice and information about fuel poverty, fuel debt, switching fuel suppliers and heating and insulation.

Commenting on behalf of Infrastructure North, Tom Bell, Head of Social Strategy at Northern Gas Networks said: “Our region contains some of the most deprived parts of England, where fuel poverty is high and job opportunities are scarce. By launching our Infrastructure North energy efficiency guide to coincide with Fuel Poverty Awareness Day we hope that it will help to raise awareness of the issue of fuel poverty whilst highlighting the range of help and support that is available to vulnerable residents.

“Now is a great time to get a copy of our Infrastructure North energy efficiency guide and find out what extra help may be available to ensure your home is warm ahead of next winter.”

There are many simple steps that can be taken to reduce the amount of energy that it used in the home, cut energy bills and help the environment. These include checking to see if you are eligible for any discounts on your energy bills or financial assistance with heating or insulation improvements. Energy bills can also be reduced by using less hot water.

Northern Powergrid, Northern Gas Networks, Yorkshire Water and Northumbrian Water are responsible for making sure residents across the north of England have a safe and reliable supply of electricity, gas and water to their homes. They work together as Infrastructure North to tackle the social issues that affect communities throughout the north of England, finding ways to best invest in local areas to find solutions to wider social issues.

To view or download a copy of Infrastructure North’s energy efficiency booklet visit infrastructurenorth.co.uk/energysavingguide

For further information on Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, visit nea.org.uk