Wiltshire energy cafes helping people with rising costs

Jessica Thimbleby is the carbon reduction champion at Wiltshire Wildlife Community Energy

Individuals struggling with rising energy bills are being encouraged to attend energy cafes.

The cafes, held as pop-ups in places such as churches and food banks, are being run by Wiltshire Wildlife Community Energy.

People who attend can get advice on how to reduce their carbon emissions and also how to apply for grants or contact organisations that could help.

Since starting in November 2022 the cafes have helped hundreds of people.

Scheme organiser, Jessica Thimbleby, said it is a "community-based project".

According to Ofgem, the typical annual household energy bill rose to £1,928 in January. The regulator's price cap will change again in April.

'People are struggling'

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, energy prices have soared.

Until June 2023, a government guarantee kept annual costs below £2,500 but since that ended Ofgem has become responsible for deciding how much customers can be charged again.

"There is less support out there in terms of financial support to help with bills and energy costs are higher and people are more in debt," Ms Thimbleby said.

Charlie has volunteered at the food bank in St Paul's Church, Salisbury, for 23 years.

"When I first started, four or five [people] would be a busy day, but now, four or five people is a quiet day," she said.

Warm and Safe Wiltshire is another free organisation offering help to people living in fuel poverty.

The council-funded service provides money saving advice and can help people source funding for home improvements.

Elena King, who works at the service, encouraged individuals who are struggling to get in touch so the team can offered support which is "tailored to each person's needs."