Energy bills made lighter

Trainees (l-r): Omar Abdillahi, Kieran Faulkner, Sean Barnes, Lily May Stanton and Luke Gillard with Councillor Moore and Mrs Joan Gibbons
Trainees (l-r): Omar Abdillahi, Kieran Faulkner, Sean Barnes, Lily May Stanton and Luke Gillard with Councillor Moore and Mrs Joan Gibbons

Thousands of Liverpool houses are being given energy-saving light-bulbs in a scheme which is also providing work for young people.

A strand of the work carried out by the Poverty Action Group, set up by the Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, looked at supporting low income households by helping them reduce their electricity bills.

Domestic lighting accounts for about 15% of energy use in a typical home and this can be reduced by using low wattage lights.

About 3,000 household are being supplied with low energy light, an average home receiving eight to 10 lightbulbs,

Twelve young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs) have been employed on a scheme which will give them work experience and training.

As well as fitting bulbs they have also provided emergency heating for vulnerable people, installing energy monitoring devices and undertaking thermal imaging of properties. Residents have also been advised on how they can improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

Councillor Tim Moore, cabinet member for transport and climate change, said: “This is a scheme which will help residents, young people and the environment.

“Many householders are struggling with their energy bills and using low wattage light bulbs will help to cut costs – as well as being environmentally-friendly.

“The traineeships will also give the young people experience and training which will stand them in good stead for finding permanent work, especially in the green economy which is a growth area in the local economy.”

. Pictured above: Kieran Faulkner fits  LED lights at the home of Mrs Joan Gibbons in Kirkdale while Councillor Moore looks on

Liverpool Waterfront