26 March 2024

People living in the South Hams are saving money, energy and reducing their carbon emissions thanks to the hard work of South Dartmoor Community Energy (SDCE).

Set up in 2016, SDCE is a not-for-profit community interest company working to reduce fuel poverty, increase the energy efficiency of homes and buildings in the South Hams, and offering free and impartial energy advice to people living in the District.

They offer community drop-in sessions, where you can get advice on steps you can take to lower your carbon footprint, or access support with energy costs. You can also arrange a home visit, where a Home Energy Advisor can give specialist guidance on how to make your home more energy efficient and cheaper to run.

The group has recently received a significant boost to deliver their projects, thanks to £50,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) money from South Hams District Council. The funding is helping SDCE to develop and grow its service so that the organisation can help more households in the South Hams.

Cllr John McKay, South Hams Executive Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: “We’ve been delighted to support the work of SDCE with funding from the UKSPF. They’re doing important work on the ground, helping people in the South Hams.

“As well as combatting climate change, their work has the bonus of helping people in fuel poverty and supporting people through the cost-of-living crisis. We know that energy price rises have been difficult for many of us, and we hope that anyone in the South Hams who is struggling to pay for their energy bills will reach out to a community Home Energy Advisor.”

Nicky Puttick, Project Manager of South Dartmoor Community Energy, said: “The funding from the UKSPF and South Hams District Council has been a huge boost to our work in supporting South Hams households.

“Improving the energy efficiency of our homes is a crucial step in combatting climate change. Most people don’t realise that their home can produce more carbon than their car does over the course of a year. South Hams housing is generally poorly insulated, draughty, and inefficient.

“With energy costs now being so high, many households we help are finding that they can’t afford to heat their homes anymore, which can lead to other problems like damp and mould. A well-insulated and properly ventilated home will not only save you money, but also improve your health and wellbeing – particularly in the winter months.

“Our goal is for all local people to feel comfortable and warm at home, without it costing the Earth. If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, or are curious about making your home more efficient, please get in touch.”

To find out more about SDCE, visit www.sdce.org.uk