Energy advice and grants

We are committed to promoting the importance of energy efficiency to help residents save money on fuel bills and protect the environment.

Cosy Rosy's tips for a warmer winter:

No cost tips	Low cost tips
If you have central heating, turn the thermostat down by just 1 degree - this can save up to 10% on your fuel bill.	Insulate your loft to a depth of at least 250mm. You could save as much as £70 a year.
Keep your curtains closed in rooms not used during the day to keep the heat in.	Fit a hot water tank jacket of at least 80mm. This could save you £10 a year.
Defrosting your fridge regularly will lower it's running costs. Don't leave the fridge door open for longer than necessary.	Lag hot water pipes - saving another £10 a year.
Try to keep your freezer as full as possible. This stops ice from building up.	Replace your three most used light bulbs with low energy ones. This could save you £45 a year.
If you have a washing machine, save energy and water by using it for full loads only.	Draught proof windows and doors - potential saving of £20 a year.
When making a hot drink, only boil the water you need, or keep a thermos of hot water.	Fit a hot water cylinder thermostat (normal setting: 60 deg C) - £15 a year saving.
Use your plug - letting hot water run down the drain is expensive.	Put a thick lining on curtains and tuck them behind radiators - £20 a year saving.
Don't leave your television on standby.	Get any dripping taps repaired - £5 a year saving.

Council and housing association tenants are fortunate because their landlords have a continuous programme of improving the energy efficiency of their housing. If you are a council or housing association tenant and you have any queries about this please contact your local area housing office.

Grants and discount schemes
Most fuel suppliers operate a scheme of grants & discounts for energy efficiency measures - call the number on your bill to check for other competitive offers.

If you have already insulated your home, you will appreciate the difference it makes to your home comfort and energy bills. This is why Luton Borough Council is working with the local Energy Saving Trust’s Advice Centres to provide free and impartial advice about grants and discount schemes for loft and cavity wall insulation.

Luton residents may also call Working Luton, who run a scheme called Cosy Homes, for Loft Insulation & Cavity Wall Insulation: Call 01582 584200

Thinking about switching fuel suppliers?
You might want to know how to switch fuel suppliers as there are so many different tariffs it can be confusing. Try the following websites to find out how you might be able to switch fuel and save money. Simplyswitch and Energywatch.

Priority service register for vulnerable householders
You might be entitled to free gas and electricity services if you are a pensioner, have a disability, suffering from long term ill health or suffer from hearing or visual impairment. Every gas and electricity supplier is obliged to provide a free service under a scheme called the priority service register. To find out more please call 08459 06 07 08 or visit www.energy watch.org.uk