Chester householders invited to cut energy bills by up to 20%

Feb 2 2010 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

HOUSEHOLDERS in Blacon are sought to take part in a £400,000 environmental experiment aimed at cutting domestic energy bills.

Blacon is one of only 20 communities across the UK to take part in the one year research programme to help reduce fuel bill costs by up to 20%.

A total of 150 households, divided into three groups, are needed for the project.

The first tranche will act as a benchmark because they will have no energy management systems.

The second group will use a wireless device to inform them about their energy use at any moment in time as an incentive to switch off unnecessary appliances.

And the third group will use the same device but will also have access to a system which turns off certain appliances automatically on leaving the house, with remote access to the heating system via text.

All materials, installation and training costs are free. In return, people will be expected to support the programme by attending meetings and recording their gas and electricity use.

As a reward for taking part, all three groups will have an optional energy efficiency makeover worth between £1,000 and £2,000 at the end.

Ged Edwards from Sustainable Blacon said: “This is a great opportunity to put Blacon on the map in a national project. It’s also a real opportunity for local people to carve up to a fifth off their gas and electric bills. We are looking to Blacon’s community and faith groups, its local schools and local organisations to turn this great opportunity into a real success for Blacon.”

Sustainable Blacon Ltd, part of Blacon Community Trust, is leading the programme with support from local residents and organisations like the council, Chester and District Housing Trust and Muir Group.

Application forms are available from Ged Edwards: ged@sustainableblacon.org.uk, at Dee Point Centre, Blacon Point Road or at the Blacon Furniture Project: 16 The Parade, or phone 01244 390344. Closing date is February 10.

Sustainable Blacon is also hosting a number of meetings where people can sign up: Thursday February 4, 10am-12pm, at Dee Point Centre; Friday February 5, 6-8pm, at Blacon Community and Arts Centre and

Saturday February 6, 10am-12pm, shops at Western Avenue and The Parade.