Improving your home's energy efficiency is one of the most impactful ways to reduce your carbon footprint, lower your energy bills, and create a more comfortable living space.

The Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP)

This scheme for our residents gives personal advice and free gadgets to help cut energy bills.

The LEAP offer is open to private rented and social housing tenants as well as homeowners. You can check if you're eligible online.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole residents who meet the eligibility criteria can get a visit from a home energy advisor. The advisor may install free energy saving measures in your home, saving an average household £50 on their energy bills each year. Devices could include:

• low energy LED lightbulbs
• reflective radiator panels
• smart electric sockets
• draught-proofing to wooden windows and doors

At certain times of year, dehumidifiers, heated airers, heated throws and heating system tune-ups may also be available.

The advisor will give you energy efficiency tips, including how to set your heating controls and advice on how to use your appliances more economically to keep your bills down. They can also provide advice about how to reduce condensation and damp. 

As well as the visit from the home energy advisor, you can also get free telephone advice on unclaimed benefits and grants from a money advice specialist. You will also be assessed for other support, which may include insulation, heating or renewable energy measures through other schemes. 

Book your free home visit

You can call 01202 612 726 to book a free home visit to assess your needs, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

You can also apply for LEAP online any time.

SGN Dorset Help for Warmth

SGN Dorset Help for Warmth is a partnership between SGN and Ridgewater Energy. It supports vulnerable residents by providing free high quality energy advice home visits by qualified advisors, focussed on reducing costs, increasing efficiency and maintaining a warmer home.

Eligible householders can benefit from a free ‘heat the person kit’, advice on condensation and carbon monoxide safety, and even a free boiler service or gas central heating system. Find out if you qualify and apply online or call 01202 612 726, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Grants to help you improve your home

There are various grants available to help you keep warmer at home. You can find information about all local schemes on the Ridgewater Energy website.

You can also find past ECO-Flex information and documents.

Register as a high priority service user with your utilities provider

The Priority Services Register is a free support service in the UK for people who need extra help with their energy or water supply, such as older adults, those with medical conditions, or people with young children. It offers benefits like advance notice of power cuts, priority support during emergencies, and help with meter readings or bills in accessible formats.