Worried about bills in Hackney? Our HEAT service can help

Sylvie Fifer, 88, speaks to HEAT energy advisor, Meg

More than 1,000 residents have been supported to manage their energy consumption and reduce their bills, thanks to a partnership between Hackney Council, CREW Energy and community organisations across the borough. 

The Hackney Energy Advice Team (HEAT) offers fuel poverty and energy-saving advice to residents in the borough’s community spaces. It has so far helped 1,256 people since launching in April last year.

Sylvie Fifer, 88, is a regular at the No Frills Social Club, at St Paul’s Church West Hackney. She said: “The club includes various free services – like hairdressing and shoulder massages. It was great that CREW came along too. I got some good advice on keeping my flat warm and some free energy saving light bulbs.”

Peter Robertshaw, founder of The No Frills Social Club, added: “By providing this service within our environment, guests could easily get the information they needed over a cuppa and biscuits."

The HEAT service helps residents understand and manage their energy and water bills, including applications for supplier changes, available discounts, vouchers and grants, as well as supporting residents to maximise their income through benefit checks.

"...guests could easily get the information they needed over a cuppa and biscuits."

The team also distributes small energy-saving kits – including smart LED light bulbs, draught excluders and radiator reflectors.

Funded by UK Power Networks, advice sessions take place in community spaces across the borough four days a week. Demand for the service has been so high that funding has been extended until May this year. 

Toby Costin, Director at CREW Energy, said: “The HEAT service is proving vital in Hackney and we’re proud to be working alongside the Council and local community spaces to bring it to life.” 

"Together, we’re one step closer to breaking down barriers and ensuring people get the right support where and when they need it."

Speaking about HEAT’s presence at the recent Health & Wellbeing Fair at Hackney Town Hall, Sham Aziz from Richmond Road Medical Centre, added: “Tackling fuel poverty is about more than just energy – it’s about health, stability, and dignity. 
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“That’s why collaborations like ours with CREW Energy, the Council, and other key services are so important. Together, we’re one step closer to breaking down barriers and ensuring people get the right support where and when they need it.”

To find out more about the scheme, to book an energy adviser to come to your event, or to find the next session near you, email: [email protected]; or call: 020 8356 3863.