Citizens Advice and Southern Gas Network (SGN) have formed a partnership in order to provide Dorset residents with access to free energy advice.

The Dorset Energy Advice Partnership, has enabled the funding of an Energy Advice Bus which was officially opened by The Mayor of Portland, Cllr Sheila Miles at a launch in Easton Gardens, Portland, Dorset.

Dorset Energy Advice Partnership Launch

The Dorset Energy Advice Team will provide free energy advice to households across Dorset who are struggling with costs, who cannot access existing services due to rural isolation, restricted mobility, cost of fuel or have limited access to public transport.

The team can offer energy efficiency advice, help with resolving billing issues and meter problems. They can also help with supplier questions and prepayment meters, carbon monoxide (CO) awareness and provide free CO alarms. All advice is free and confidential.

Ros Dignan, Project Manager, Citizens Advice Dorset Energy Unit said:

“We are really pleased to be able to work with SGN in order to provide this free service to Dorset residents.”

“As we head into the autumn, people may be worrying about how they are going to afford to pay their energy bills. We encourage residents to come and have a chat with our experienced energy advisers. No appointment needed, just come along and see how we can help.”

The funding provided by SGN provides Dorset residents with improved access to energy advice services with a specific focus on reaching vulnerable households who struggle to access such services.

Janet Duggan, Community Partnership Manager at SGN, said:

"We’re delighted to be partnering with Citizens Advice Dorset to provide this essential energy support and safeguarding service to households across the county. Citizens Advice are seeing first hand the impact the cost of living crisis is having on households struggling to afford to maintain a safe and warm home. Through their specialist local energy advice team and the Dorset Energy Bus, they’ll support households ahead of winter to use energy safely, efficiently and affordably.”

The Dorset Energy Bus will initially be visiting Portland, Blandford and Weymouth. More locations in rural Dorset will follow soon. The timetable can be viewed on the website www.edpcitizensadvice.org.uk/energy

The Dorset Energy Unit can be contacted via email on [email protected] or call the Dorset Energy Line on 01929 775500.