Energy efficiency

The energy efficiency of homes greatly impacts the cost of fuel bills. Therefore Bury Council is providing access to advice to help Bury residents increase the energy efficiency of their homes thus reducing fuel bills and achieving affordable warmth.

Greater Manchester Energy Advice Service

Bury Council work in partnership with the Greater Manchester Energy Advice Service. They offer a free, impartial advice and information service to help people across Greater Manchester to find the best ways to save energy. To access this advice call 0800-009-3363.

Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA)

The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change required Bury Council to prepare a report by 31st March 2013 setting out the energy conservation measures Bury Council consider practicable, cost-effective and likely to result in significant improvement in the energy efficiency of the residential accommodation in the area.  There will also be a requirement to provide progress reports on delivery at 2 yearly intervals up to and including 31st March 2027.

Bury Council's HECA report is published here and has been produced in line with the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) reporting format to ensure a consistent and comparable approach.

It outlines Bury Council's ambitions and priorities for these first 2 years, taking into account what the Council has achieved to date.  It also explains the measures the Council is taking to improve the energy efficiency of residential accommodations e.g.

• Implementation of Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation
• Reducing Fuel Poverty
• Raising the minimum standards in the private rented sector.

The report also outlines how the Council plan to undertake area based initiatives / targeting to achieve these ambitions utilising national and local partners e.g. AGMA, Bury PCT and Six Town Housing.

Low cost and no cost energy saving tips

• Leaving appliances on stand-by still uses around 50% of electricity - turn them off at the switch.
• Turning your room thermostat down by 1ºC could cut your fuel bill by 10% & save around £40 each year.
• Fit an insulation jacket to the hot water cylinder, it could save you around £35 a year.
• Install cavity wall and loft insulation. Up to 35% of heat is lost through un-insulated walls and 25% is lost through an un-insulated roof. You could save approximately £255 a year on your heating bills!
• Replace your light bulbs with energy saving recommended ones. They use 80% less electricity, they can last up to 6 years longer and could equate to a lifetime saving of over £22.
• Water needn't be scalding hot. Set your cylinder thermostat to 60°C/140°F.
• Defrost freezers regularly to avoid build up of ice which makes the motor work harder.
• Don't over fill kettles, only boil as much water as you need but make sure that the elements are covered.
• Use the economy setting on your washing machine.

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