Greater Manchester Community Renewables, or GMCR, the community benefit society that has installed community owned solar panels on seven Salford schools, has engaged Groundwork to deliver energy saving schemes via its Green Doctors.
"Last year we worked with more than 3,000 people who saved over £2million between them by saving energy" says Suzanne Barningham, Energyworks Manager at Groundwork Greater Manchester "In 2021 you could be one of those people. Our friendly team of Green Doctors is only a phone call away."*
The case study of Grace gives an idea into what the Green Docs can do...She had been furloughed over lockdown, complete with reduced income and home schooling her son which meant a lot more use of gas and electric.
The Green Doctor was able to refer her to National Energy Action which was able to give her a £140 voucher for her gas due to missing out on the warm home discount. The Doc also gave her some advice on simple ways to reduce her energy bills such as turning the thermostat and radiator valves down to make her gas last longer on the meters, and gave her some free energy saving small measures such as LED lightbulbs.
The Doc the spoke to United Utilities with her, and got her water rates capped for this year's and last year's bill, which removed £459.31 off her debt, and then set up an affordable weekly direct debit which pays for her current water bill and something towards the debt. United Utilities have also put her on a payment match scheme so if Grace keeps up her fortnightly payments over the next few years, the company will deduct a further £2,210 off her debt.
"Groundwork is a fantastic organisation" says Grace "They are there to help, and the Green Doctor has helped me get through this latest cold spell and during lockdown which has been a huge relief during this difficult time and I feel as if a huge weight has been lifted."
Kate Eldridge, Director of GMCR, adds: "Over the past five years we have been supporting schools in Salford to cut their energy bills and carbon footprints by having solar panels installed. We started the GMCR Energy Savers project because we wanted to bring similar benefits to everyone in the community."
* Salford residents can call the Groundwork Energyworks team free on 0800 090 3638, and quote GMCR as a reference. The Green Doctors are available from Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm, and Friday 9am to 12pm.
To view a Green Doctor video – click here
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