Peabody Estate offers free advice to help with energy bills
One of London’s largest housing associations is asking residents to sign up to its energy-saving advice service amid the growing number of houses falling into fuel poverty.
With the cost-of-living rocketing, and inflation at its highest since 1992, Peabody housing association is offering a free energy advice service.
There are over half a million Londoners estimated to live in fuel poverty, and over 100,000 in South London.
Croydon, Lambeth and Lewisham alone are each home to over 20,000 families suffering in fuel poverty, according to the Government.
Ofgem, the energy industry regulator, is due to announce a new energy price cap in April.
The adjustment will likely see household energy bills rise by several hundred pounds a year.
A number of charities and industry experts have already warned that millions of households will be forced to choose between food and heating their homes.
Hundreds of Peabody residents have so far used the service, with some households saving £140 since October 2021.
Nas Akrami, 24, an engineer and resident of Peabody Hill Estate, Norwood, said: “Last year I was paying anywhere between £80 and £90 a month, and the last few months it’s gone up anywhere between £120 to £170 a month – It’s a big difference.
“It’s a big concern. If you look at how much it’s raised over the last few months, and then you think, well if there’s no cap, where’s it going to stop?”
Richard Ellis, Peabody’s director of sustainability, said: “We know the cost of living this winter is making it hard for our residents.
Our energy advice service with AgilityEco is just one of the ways we can help, and I would urge residents who haven’t already registered to get in touch and sign up for the advice sessions.
“It will help tackle fuel poverty, save people money now, and help protect them from future energy price rises”.
Peabody residents can find out more and sign up for free advice at www.peabody.org.uk/neighbourhoods/local-services/energy-saving-advice#energy