A LOCAL organisation offering free energy advice to consumers has a busy month ahead.

South Dartmoor Community Energy will be out and about, holding drop in advice sessions across the area to help local residents check they are not paying too much for their power.

Since launching its energy advice service in October 2016, SDCE and its two advisers Sophie Phillips and Katie Reville have spoken to more than 350 people. As part of the Government’s Big Energy Saving Network all the advice is free and impartial.

The team can help residents understand their bills, and check they are on the best deal and are accessing all the other discounts and support available from energy companies.

Katie Reville commented: ’We are finding that lots of people are very loyal to their fuel suppliers, but if they’re brave enough to shop around they could save £200-300 a year. We have already helped many households through the switching process, and on average they will save £150 per year.’

South Dartmoor Community Energy is a community benefit society set up to help people save energy and money, and get involved in renewable energy projects. It is a not for profit organisation, and the aim is to fund the energy advice service through grants and renewable energy projects.

Anyone interested in speaking to the team can pop along to one of their drop in energy advice sessions with a recent fuel bill.

These are taking place at: Modbury Parish Office, 2 Galpin Street on Saturday, January 14 from 10am to 12.30pm and Saturday 28 from 10am to 12.30pm; Yealmpton Community Centre, Stray Park on Friday, January 20 from 10.30am to 11.30am; Ugborough Sustainable Saturday in the Village Hall on Saturday, January 21 from 10am to noon; Ivybridge Library on Monday, January 23 from 10am to 12.30pm; and South Brent Old School Centre on Tuesday, January 24 from 9.30am to 1pm.

The team can also provide home visits to housebound residents and talks to community groups and home visiting workers. For further information on where the team will be please visit www.southdartmoorcommunityenergy.org or call 0800 112 3044.