LEAP is an amazing free service that is still not widely known about by the general public. This case study – LEAP should show how versatile the scheme is. We manage the scheme in locally in conjunction with Peterborough City Council, Rutland County Council and Cambridgeshire County Council. It is a free scheme whereby you check your eligibility criteria and then get a call from a qualified HEA.
After the call there will be a home visit where the HEA can install easy measures such LED lightbulbs and draught proofing of the home. In this visit the HEA can also make referrals to HEART for broken white good replacement and ECHO for boiler and heating repair.
Our service spans old and young as fuel poverty is hitting in many places right now. Here is one case in point:
Julie, a single mum to one child, applied to LEAP directly for help as she was struggling with her energy bills, a cold and damp home and a low income. Julie’s open plan rented house was heated using a combination of oil radiators, electric heaters and a portable Calor gas heater in the lounge. LEAP arranged a home visit for Julie last year (before the national Covid-19 lockdown). Our Home Energy Advisor immediately helped her with energy efficiency advice installing low energy lighting which saves around £40/year on her energy bills as well as a TV standby device. The LEAP Income Maximisation service found that Julie was entitled to additional income via the Discretionary Housing Payment. Julie received a total of £3,000 of extra annual income as well as help with her water bill.
In addition, Warmer Homes replaced Julie’s existing electric storage heaters with a brand new, energy efficient gas central heating system. The system cost a total of £3,873 and will save Julie up to £500/year as well as keeping her home warm and cosy.
This is a prime example to show how versatile the scheme is especially as we have links into other support organisations. If you or someone you know could benefit from LEAP click the link below:
Check Your Eligibility | LEAP | Local Energy Advice Partnership (applyforleap.org.uk)
