Upper Don Community Energy (UDCE) is a community initiative aimed at assisting households in Sheffield manage high energy bills. Launched in September 2023, the project has already supported over 60 residences by implementing measures to reduce draughts and enhance insulation, with plans to aid an additional 50 households in the Upper Don area.
The organization provides free resources such as door curtains, draught excluders, and LED bulbs to eligible households facing fuel poverty. Fuel poverty, as defined by the charity National Energy Action, affects households that spend more than 10% of their income on energy bills. Currently, it is estimated that around 6.1 million households in the UK are in this situation, with the number reaching 17.5% in the Yorkshire and Humber region.
Catherine Cotterill, a director of UDCE, stated that small interventions in people’s homes can significantly impact their comfort and energy expenses. Among the beneficiaries is Helen Lowe, a resident of Stocksbridge, who has noticed a positive change in her living conditions after receiving help from UDCE. She initially hesitated to accept assistance but found that solutions like curtain installation led to a warmer home.
The initiative emerged after the war in Ukraine increased energy costs, prompting Stocksbridge Town Council to seek solutions for residents affected by rising bills. Funding from various organizations, including Sheffield Council and local charities, has been secured for materials needed to improve insulation and warmth in homes across targeted postcodes.
Local volunteers have played a crucial role, contributing time to sew curtains and install draught excluders. The project reaches out to households through referrals from GPs and foodbanks, assisting families on Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit. UDCE continues to seek community support as winter approaches, aiming to expand its reach and benefit more families in need.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0lkgpgnlzro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss