BACK TO DOMESTIC ENERGY AND HEALTH SUB GROUP PAGE
1. Introductions
GH welcomed everyone to the meeting and roud the table introductions were made.
2. Apologies
3. Minutes of the Last Meeting
The minutes of the last meeting were reviewed and agreed to be an accurate representation of the meeting.
4. Matters Arising
The home heat helpline – This is a legitimate helpline, however is funded by fuel suppliers therefore is not impartial. 50% of the calls are referred to fuel supplier’s schemes, 50% elsewhere but NONE to Warmfront.
Action: JH to ring HHH and find out more.
ME is organising a meeting to merge the AW strategy with the DE&H action plan. There was some confusion over the need and mechanism for doing this. A discussion took place around the possible problems with ownership of DAWS if no merge takes place. The Devon HECA group have discussed this point and believe a merge would be detrimental to the DAWS.
Action: Graham to discuss at the Devon HECA meeting later today.
5. Feedback from DSEN Steering Group Meeting on 3rd Feb.
For a full account of the steering group meeting please see minutes attached.
Much of the steering group meeting was taken up with discussion around the conference, and also the Renewable Energy for Devon bid.
Action: Jo to send out executive summary of the final RED bid with minutes.
A discussion took place around ROC’s. PR – Green Energy provide ROC’s where if an RE installation is in place the user gets 5p back per unit of electricity used (not produced!).
Action: JN & GH to investigate this.
6. Annual Conference Update – Jo Nicholson
Jo explained how we are endeavoring to make the conference carbon neutral by offsetting carbon produced through tree planting, in partnership with CO2 Balance who plant trees in Crediton. It was also mentioned that food would be locally produced, a free bus service would be on offer and minimal waste through printing would be produced. Already 80 attendees are registered and 20 exhibitors have expressed an interest. The group discussed the timetable for the day and decided more time needed to be given to Q&A session, and the exhibitors needed to be asked not to leave early. Jo asked the group to assist with publicizing the conference through their contacts.
Action: Jo to send out conference documents in WORD format for ease of printing.
Update: The conference was a great success and documents and presentations are now available on the website at: http://www.dsen.org.uk/index/events/annual_conference_2006.htm
7. Affordable Warmth Updates:
Martin Eibl – Devon Affordable Warmth Officer:
The affordable warmth task force is nearing a close and has been very successful, however not many task cards have been received back.
Action: Jo to send out reminder to all.
Martin is planning some affordable warmth awareness raising sessions involving Energywatch and other key agencies and is planning to run 10 sessions around the county, one in each LA, and funded by LA’s and Western Power Distribution. These sessions will cover all 3 aspects of fuel poverty: Reducing energy use, improving efficiency of the home and switching to the cheapest tariff. Martin then spoke about switching fuel suppliers with the group.
Colin Anderson – Plymouth HECA officer:
Colin discussed ways of publicising energy and money savings. PAWS steering group is also keen to look into the reasons why people are on key meters. They are also looking to target more EEC funding and recently identified two neighbourhoods in need and applied for locally based EEC schemes through the NRF. Plymouth Healthy Homes is going well and the steering group have also agreed to fund Warm Front top ups. PLEA (private landlords scheme) may also resurface through the NRF funding.
8. News and Events:
Sustainable Energy Network Consultation – 9th March
Age concern event – 7th April
Chartered institute of housing conference – 7th April
Action: Janet to find out if any scope for EEAC / DSEN presence at this event.
9. AOB:
A sub group is to be set up to scrutinise results of the prioritisation of the action plan. Members of this group will be: Graham Horler, Jo Nicholson, Martin Eibl and Janet Ventre.
Action: Martin to coordinate this meeting.
ME – GOSW are looking for fuel poverty champions to represent the South West at the Health Housing and Fuel Poverty Forum.
Action: Martin to find out what the commitments of these representatives are.
JN – Energy Direct has been launched as a result of this groups ideas for ‘quick win’ funding. This project will involve the EEAC working closely with Care Direct to improve referrals between these agencies and ensure calls to care direct are screened for fuel poverty.
Clear Skies – has ended and is being replaced but the govt are currently looking for a managing agent.
Update: Low Carbon Building Programme is now up and running. Further info can be found at: www.est.org.uk/housingbuildings/funding/lowcarbonbuildings or by calling 0800 915 7722
DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
Tuesday 20th June
Northcott house
Exeter University
10.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.
