Westcountry Energy Action, set up in 1993, is working to reduce the impact of climate change and fuel poverty and to support the economic regeneration of our communities through the development and delivery of sustainable energy policy and practice.
We are a not for profit, charitable business working with the public, private, and voluntary sectors to deliver action that will result in:
The development of projects and partnerships leading to the sustainable use of energy
Awareness raising and education about climate change and the sustainable use of energy
Homes being adequately and affordably heated
Influencing of local policy and strategy to ensure that the sustainable use of resources is incorporated into future development and practice.
Westcountry Energy Action provides a range of services to local residents, Local Authorities, businesses and community groups. These services are outlined below:
Domestic Energy Advice
Devon Energy Efficiency Advice Centre
Westcountry Energy Action is the managing agent of the Devon Energy Efficiency Advice Centre (DEEAC), part of a national network of advice centres set up by the Energy Saving Trust (EST). The DEEAC provides free and impartial energy efficiency advice to all Devon households via the following;
Telephone Advice Line FREEPHONE 0800 512012 – Qualified energy advisors can provide up to date home energy efficiency advice and information about national and local grants and discounts for energy conservation measures.
Home Energy Check – Free Home Energy Checks are available to all Devon householders who will then receive a report outlining recommendations for improvements and grants available.
Exhibitions – The EEAC can provide qualified energy advisors, display materials, free giveaways and leaflets for a variety of events and exhibitions.
Presentations – Tailored Home Energy Efficiency presentations can be delivered to a variety of audiences
WcEA aims to work in partnership with local authorities and housing associations to coordinate its domestic energy activities with their own initiatives. Marketing materials, Home Energy Checks and other resources may be branded with local authority and housing association logos as appropriate. The DEEAC can also work with organisations to set up mail marketing campaigns.
Renewable Energy Advice
WcEA also provides renewable energy advice and consultancy support to the business, community and public sector. WcEA is a partner in the Renewable Energy for Devon project (RE4D).
Funding
WcEA can support local authorities, housing associations, local businesses and the voluntary sector to source funding to help support sustainable energy initiatives and projects. Funding sources include private sector sponsorship, national Government grants such as the BERR Low Carbon Buildings Programme, Warm Front, fuel supplier Carbon Energy Reduction Target (CERT), the National Lottery and other charitable trusts. WcEA also has access to various other funding search tools targeted at the public and voluntary sectors.
Strategy Development
WcEA can provide support to develop sustainable energy policy and strategy. To date WcEA has been successful in working with all of the Devon local authorities to develop the Devon Affordable Warmth Strategy and has worked with Exeter City Council, Mid Devon District Council and West Devon Borough Council to develop Sustainable Energy Action Plans.
Project Development & Management
WcEA works with a variety of organisations to develop innovative sustainable energy projects. For example, WcEA has worked with a number of Devon authorities to develop home insulation schemes that support the Home Energy Conservation Act, Decent Homes and Affordable Warmth objectives.
Current projects include the Devon Warm Zones initiative, Healthier Homes North Devon, Exeter and West Devon 'Warm Up' discount insulation schemes for householders and Private Landlords for Energy Action (PLEA), a landlord grant scheme.
Training
WcEA also provides training in energy for a variety of audiences which can be tailored to meet with your organisation’s requirements
Current WcEA Training Courses
Understanding Fuel Poverty and Energy Awareness
Renewable Energy Basics
Energy Champions
For further information contact Graham Horler, Manager at WcEA, Fourth Floor, Royal Buildings, St. Andrews Cross, Plymouth, PL1 1DN. Tel 01752 235180 e mail graham@wcea.org.uk
