ADVICE and support is being offered to community groups and individuals this winter to help them reduce the cost of energy.

New local community energy society South Dartmoor Community Energy is taking part in this year’s Big Energy Saving Network, and is aiming to help hundreds of people across the South Hams reduce their energy costs this winter.

Funded through the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy the network will run from October 2016 to March 2017, and consists of around 290 energy champions across the UK. SDCE has two energy champions ready to help local people – Ivybridge mums and energy advisors Katie Reville and Sophie Phillips.

Katie and Sophie have both worked in the energy efficiency sector for many years and aim to deliver outreach events and one to one support to residents across the South Hams. All the advice is free and impartial and can include home visits if necessary.

Help is focused on supporting people who have not switched suppliers before, who lack internet access, or who have health issues or low incomes, and will include practical support to help people reduce their bills. This can include advice on choosing the best energy tariff, help with switching supplier, information about smart meters and details of energy efficiency offers.

Katie and Sophie are looking for local community groups and events to attend over the next six months, so they can help as many people as possible.

Would you like the team to attend your group, luncheon club or coffee morning to provide a talk or one to one advice session? Would you like some free and impartial advice on reducing your fuel bills and getting the best from your energy supplier? Does your team visit people at home who could benefit from the support available?

To book a talk, visit or to seek advice from your local energy champions please call 0800 112 3044 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, or email [email protected] .

A programme of drop-in advice sessions is also being organised across the South Hams. Further details will be available on the website www.southdartmoorcommunityenergy.org shortly.