Greater Manchester residents have been offered energy advice, support, and potentially free upgrades to lower energy bills and make their homes warmer.
Poorly insulated or inefficiently heated homes have a big impact on the environment, significantly contributing to the UK’s carbon emissions.
Cold homes can also be harmful to people’s health and wellbeing, causing respiratory conditions and cardiovascular diseases, contributing to poor mental health, and worsening the effects of dementia.
Energy efficient home upgrades can help tackle these issues and lower residents’ bills, which is why Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and its partners are coming together to make energy saving advice clearer and easier to access as part of the Feel the Benefit campaign.
Councillor Tom Ross, Greater Manchester lead for green city-region, said: “Rising energy bills are a key contributor to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, with some residents forced to choose between heating their homes and paying for other life essentials.
“Heat loss from homes that are poorly insulated only makes this worse, with many residents still relying on heating technologies that are long overdue an upgrade. Our Feel the Benefit campaign is here to help residents make a change for the better.
“By raising awareness of what’s available and guiding residents through the process of upgrading their homes, we’ll help thousands lower their energy bills – not to mention supporting the push towards our ambitious, evidence-based target for Greater Manchester to become carbon neutral by 2038.”
Residents will also be able to access in-person advice across all ten districts of Greater Manchester, so that there are no barriers to accessing support. Residents can get in touch with the local partners delivering this guidance in their area directly –
Bolton district – Bolton Council/Bolton at Home. Call 01204 328 177 or email lead@boltonathome.org.uk
Bury district – Bury Council/ The Growth Company. Call 0161 228 1111 or email lola@greeneconomy.co.uk
Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside – Groundwork Greater Manchester. Call 0800 090 3638 or email Energyworks@groundwork.org.uk
Salford, Stockport and Trafford – Your Home Better. Call 0161 883 7979 or email LEAD@yourhomebetter.co.uk
Wigan – Wigan Council. Call 01942 489 209 or visit email EnergyAdvice@wigan.gov.uk
Additionally, residents can visit energy advice hubs at B&Q stores in Trafford Park and Cheetham Hill for in-person advice and support.
Greater Manchester residents can check their eligibility online on GMCA’s eligibility checker, entering details about their home and circumstances.
