The council's home energy conservation team has produced a unique information pack which they can pick up at the same time they collect their keys and it should help them conserve their cash.

 

The specially illustrated packs are full of useful everyday tips to help keep heat in thereby reducing bills and making their homes more environmentally friendly.

 

Each pack comes with a free low energy light bulb, donated by British Gas, which will reduce electricity bills by up to £10 a year.

 

Mrs Elizabeth Crewe of Harrogate was one of the first homeowners to receive the pack and has found it extremely useful.  She said:  "As a new resident in Harrogate, I was very pleased to receive a pack, as it contained lots of local information about saving energy and being more environmentally friendly.  My home is now very warm and energy efficient.  I also took up the special offers on home composter bins and water butts, and the map of local cycle ways was excellent."

 

The council is promoting the pack during National Energy Saving Week

(24 October) and to help residents live more energy efficient lifestyles is also promoting some fantastic offers and grants for home insulation.

 

People in receipt of benefits could even be eligible for free insulation and heating measures thanks to the government's Warmfront Grant and, depending on individual circumstances, other residents could get both loft and cavity wall insulation for as little as £100. 

 

Councillor Mrs Jean Butterfield, Cabinet Member for Housing said:  "We are keen to help homeowners save money at the same time as tackling climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  It has never been easier to get help with home insulation and I would encourage homeowners to get in touch with the council's Home Energy Conservation Officer to find out what is available to them.  They could save themselves £200 a year on their energy bills."

 

 

FURTHER INFORMATION:  Councillor Jean Butterfield is available for comment via Lynne Mee on 01423 556022.  For information on energy efficiency please contact John Ward-Campbell, Harrogate Borough Council's Home Energy Conservation Officer on 01423 556909

 

 

Energy Saving Week is a week-long nationwide campaign led by the Energy Savings Trust to raise awareness of the human impact on climate change and encourage people to cut down on home energy use, drive cleaner vehicles, and install renewable energy.  The Energy Savings Trust is a non-profit organisation, funded by government and the private sector.  The Trust has two main goals: to achieve the sustainable use of energy; and to cut carbon dioxide emissions, one of the key contributors to climate change.