Blackpool Green Doctor scheme aims to cure residents' fuel problems

The Blackpool Green Doctor programme is based at Grange Park and is a free programme funded by Ofgem which aims to help vulnerable households deal with the effects of fuel poverty and debt.

The new team is on hand to offer help with dealing with debts, helping people switch to cheaper fuel deals and changing to energy saving lights and devices.

Eric Greenhalgh from Groundwork which is behind the Green Doctor scheme said that although they only started just before lockdown they have already had an impact and even helped on e Blackpool lady get a new cooker.

He said: “We can help in so many ways.

“We find that many people who are in debt to energy companies tend to want to bury their heads and hope it goes away.

“Some are just unable to deal with their issues; and that’s how we can help. We can carry out conference calls between energy supplier and customer; and we can be involved in the call too and speak on behalf of the customer.”

He said they have helped people apply for the Government’s Warm House Discount of £140 and have helped tenants encourage their landlords to make homes more energy efficient.

The scheme is running in other parts of the UK including London Burnley and West Yorkshire and has now come to Blackpool.

He added: “People can save a lot of money by changing their energy tariffs every 12 months, but there are so many people out there who either do not have the internet or are not confident about switching. We can help.

“There are people who we have helped save £600 a year on their fuel bills. I’ve just been in a consultation with a family who’s energy bill was astronomical. I’ve just switched their supplier and made a saving of £604 for the coming year

“In normal times, we carry out home visits and take along energy saving measures such as free LED light bulbs, radiator foils to keep heat in the property and draught saving measures to fit to doors and windows. We’re currently offering support over the phone and still able to help people who are struggling.”

Call 01253 372000 or email [email protected]