Over the last 12 months, Derby residents have been supported to cut their energy bills and improve the comfort of their homes through a dedicated Home Energy Advice Service delivered by Derby City Council in partnership with energy charities.

The service provides tailored advice and practical support to households across the city, helping residents better understand their energy use, access financial support, and make simple, effective changes to keep their homes warm, reduce costs, and lower carbon emissions.

Over the past year, the service has:

•    Supported over 300 households across Derby 
•    Helped residents collectively save more than £15,000 per year on energy bills through draught proofing measures alone 
•    Reduced annual CO2e emissions by 174.3 tonnes 
•    Attended 45 events in communities across the city 
•    Provided guidance on energy efficiency measures including insulation, heating use and behaviour change 

This work forms part of Derby City Council’s wider response to the cost of living crisis, as households continue to face rising energy bills. Initiatives such as the Household Support Fund have provided essential help with food, energy and other living costs to those most in need.

Councillor Sarah Chambers, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities and Public Safety, said:

“Rising energy costs continue to put pressure on households across Derby, and we know that many residents are worried about keeping their homes warm.

“This service is making a real difference by providing practical, personalised advice that helps people reduce their bills, improve comfort at home, and lower their carbon emissions. It’s about giving residents the knowledge and support they need to take control of their energy use.”

Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, added:

“We’ve seen first-hand the impact that tailored energy advice can have for residents. Often, small changes can make a big difference — whether that’s improving how heating is used, accessing financial support, or making homes more energy efficient.

“Our aim is to ensure residents feel supported and confident in managing their energy, especially at a time when costs remain high.”

Alongside community events, the Home Energy Advice Service partnered with National Energy Action to deliver 21 workshops in primary schools between January and March, reaching around 600 of the city’s youngest residents and their families.

Dean West, Training and Education Officer, National Energy Action, says:

 
“The children have been fantastic to work with at our energy workshops. They recognise the need to be more careful with how we use electricity and heating and are passionate about sharing these messages with others. At National Energy Action we know that encouraging positive energy habits from a young age is vital - it helps shape the attitudes and behaviours of the bill payers of the future.”

The Home Energy Advice Service has also supported increased uptake of Government-funded schemes such as the Warm Homes: Local Grant and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). The rise in air source heat pump installations across Derby through the BUS has been recognised nationally, with a Derby home featured as a case study in the Government’s recently published Warm Homes Plan.

In the first year of the Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme, eight properties have been retrofitted with £150,000 of improvements to increase energy efficiency. A further 120 properties will be upgraded over the next two years by delivery partners YES Energy Solutions.

A spokesperson for YES Energy Solutions said: 

“In the first year of the Derby Warm Homes Local Grant, we’ve successfully delivered 14 energy saving measures across eight properties. This work has increased their EPC rating to a C, leading to both fuel bill savings and reduced carbon emissions at zero cost to residents.

“With funding now in place to support over 120 more homes over the next two years, we’re proud to continue our strong partnership with Derby City Council and look forward to building on this success together. We encourage anyone interested in support to get in touch with YES.”

Claire Woolley, Energy Services Manager at Marches Energy Advice commented: 

“We have been supporting residents in Derby City through our Warmer Derby and Derbyshire service for almost 10 years now. With support from the Council and collaboration with the Home Energy Network, we are able to work holistically with other services and ensure residents are receiving the best outcomes possible. 

“Through community events, home visits, and remote support, our focus is on addressing the immediate challenges that struggling households face. We also work with residents, local authorities, and funders to help improve home energy efficiency, leading to lower bills and CO2 emissions. 

“This partnership is a key piece of ensuring we reach those who need support and can refer into other services for those facing wider challenges.”

Lee Doohan, Delivery Manager for Groundwork Five Counties says: 

“So many people struggle with their energy bills and suffer needlessly. We’re very glad we can play a role in improving Derby residents’ lives and keep more money in their wallets.”

Following approval of the Energy Efficiency Officer role at Full Council in February, the Home Energy Advice Service will continue to provide support to residents in future years. The service delivers against actions 10 and 13 in the Council's Climate Change Action Plan 2025-27, supporting the Council’s aim to reach net zero by 2035.

Residents can access free home energy advice, as well as details of upcoming events, on the Council website.