Hundreds seeking energy efficiency

HUNDREDS of home-owners have signed up for energy-efficiency measures in a bid to cut their heating bills.

The council’s HeatSeekers programme involved specially-equipped cars taking thermal-imaging pictures of thousands of homes in Oldham to show how much energy was being wasted.

The owners were then sent information on how to cut their utility bills by making simple changes, such as loft or cavity-wall insulation.

The initiative was developed by the Energy Saving Partnership and is operating with the agreement of the council at no cost to the authority.

Around 60 per cent of Oldham households have been imaged and the team is working its way around the most energy-inefficient homes.

If residents are aged over 70 or in receipt of certain benefits the insulation measures may be able to be done at no cost, while other residents will be eligible for highly-subsidised rates.

Councillor John McCann, cabinet member for regeneration and housing, said: “I am very pleased with the high numbers of residents who have already taken an interest in the scheme, which will help them save money and improve energy efficiency.”

All HeatSeekers staff will carry official identification when calling at homes.

Anyone wanting a free insulation survey on their property can call HeatSeekers on 0800-111 4968 or visit www.homeheatseekers.co.uk  

For independent energy efficiency advice, contact the Energy Savings Trust on 0800-512 012.