During 2021/22, CAM has been learning about the use of energy monitors and thermal imaging cameras from climate activists in Addingham and Ilkley. We plan to purchase energy monitors and loan them out for residents to use. If you are interested in being involved in this project, please contact info@climateactionmenston.org
For help with energy issues see :
Our Solar Panel Guide – https://climateactionmenston.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Menston_PV_Guide.pdf
Our Menston-focussed guide to installing photovoltaic solar panels – complete with very local case studies, contacts and more! If you have had installed solar panels, insulation etc and can recommend contractors, it would be good to hear from you. We would like to encourage the installation of solar panels on community buildings so if you are excited about this please email info@climateactionmenston.org.uk.
Citizen’s Advice – https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/wales/consumer/energy/energy-supply/save-energy-at-home/save-money-using-your-electrical-appliances/
Advice on saving money when using your electrical appliances.
Money Saving Expert – https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/energy-saving-tips/#howmuch
Tips on energy saving from Martin Lewis’s well-known website.
Centre for Alternative Technology
https://cat.org.uk/info-resources/free-information-service/
A free information service from the Centre for Alternative Technology at Machynlleth in Wales – an inspiring place to visit as well.
Bradford Council and Partners – https://costoflivingbradford.co.uk/energy-and-bills/
A guide to energy and bills produced by a partnership campaign between Community Action Bradford & District, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, and Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership (Act as One).
Green Doctor – https://www.groundwork.org.uk/services/green-doctor/
Specialist Fuel and energy advice across Leeds (and the North East and Yorkshire), offering support on most areas including tariff comparison/switching, energy bills and debt, meter connection, access to emergency top ups, Emergency broken heating/hot water/gas appliances, priority services Register – sign up for vulnerable people and energy efficiency advice.
Scope Disability Energy Support – https://www.scope.org.uk/disability-energy-support/
Service open to any disabled person or households in England or Wales, providing expert advice including managing energy debt, switching tariffs or supplier, energy efficiency, accessing energy benefits, grants and trusts, contacting or complaining to suppliers, understanding gas and electricity bills and understanding heating systems.
National Energy Action – https://www.nea.org.uk/get-help/key-things-to-do-if-you-are-struggling-with-your-energy-bills/
With the steep increases in energy prices now feeding through into bills, saving energy and sourcing it from renewable supplies makes even more sense.
In the short term, here are some energy saving measures:
| Area | Tips | Average saving per year |
| Washing machine | Wash clothes at 30 with a full load | £12 |
| Clothes drying | Outside washing line instead of a drier | £30 |
| Kettle | Only boil what you need | £6 |
| Thermostat | Turn it down by 1 degree | £80 |
| Home appliances | Do not leave on standby | £35 |
| Lights | Switch off when you leave the room | £13 |
| Showers | Reduce shower time by 3 mins | £21 |
| Dishes | Use a washing up bowl | £25 |
| Baths | Swap a bath for a 5 min shower | £10 |
If you did all these, you could save up to £232 pa.
Figures do not take account of price rises for energy in Spring 2022.
There are various sources of advice for help with energy bills – see here
For the Insulation Webinar from Andy Walker, click here