The Surrey energy champions offering free help to improve homes and reduce heating bills

Victoria Shipp
·2-min read
Sam stands in front of house with thermal imaging camera
-Credit: (Image: Zero Carbon Guildford)


Houses across Surrey could benefit from free help to improve their homes and reduce bills this winter. A team of more than 100 people have been trained to support their neighbours to keep their homes warm this winter.

As part of a scheme run in partnership between Surrey County Council and Zero Carbon Guildford, the Home Energy Advice Team (HEAT) has supported over 600 households this year, but are keen to get around many more.

The HEAT service trains local ‘Energy Champions’ to provide advice. Not only does the team help to cut bills but their advice can help homes stay free of damp and mould, meaning their residents stay healthy.

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Anne Snelson had an Energy Champion visit her property, she said: ‘’This is an absolutely fabulous thing to do. I love the report and all the tips for further things to do. I have already told friends about it (one had his survey done yesterday). I just hope [they] can cope with the demand for similar reports!”

Matt and Anne smile at camera
Energy Champion Matt visiting Anne Snelson -Credit:Zero Carbon Guildford

Zero Carbon Guildford estimates that around 300,000 homes in Surrey have an energy performance rating of D or below, or no rating at all. This means residents are paying more on their bills than they should as heat and money leak out of their thermally inefficient homes.

Thermal image showing heat being lost
Heat loss behind rad breezeblock wall.J -Credit:Zero Carbon Guildford

The home visits are completely free and last around 60 minutes, and include showing the resident via thermal imaging where the home is losing heat. If issues are found, free remedial measures and draught proofing can be provided to help the household. HEAT also identifies grants the resident may be eligible for, which can provide significant long term savings.

Surrey’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Marisa Heath says of the scheme: “The HEAT project is a great example of local authorities and community groups working together, and how well joined-up solutions can help residents to save money, keep their homes healthier and more modern, and tackle climate change at the same time.’’

Duo stand at stall with thermal insulation foil
HEAT coordinator Anna with Woking MP Will Forster.j -Credit:Zero Carbon Guildford

The vast majority of residents are eligible for a free survey. To check if you qualify you can email energysurveys@zerocarbonguildford.org or complete this form .

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