Can we eradicate Fuel Poverty in West Cornwall?
Penwith College Student, Primrose Brechtmann, intends to find out and is organising a mini-conference at Penzance Cricket Club on Friday 5th of February. Anyone interested is invited to register their attendance. Fuel poverty is a problem in West Cornwall and on the Isles of Scilly affecting large numbers of people and businesses in Cornwall and is something that needs to be recognised, discussed and solutions implemented. High energy prices, leaky homes and low household incomes mean that, for many of us, we are living in cold homes. As a result our health is affected and we are not always able to live full lives. Since September Primrose has been undertaking a work experience placement at the office of local MP, Derek Thomas to compliment her studies . Her responsibilities include developing a local response to renewable energy and fuel poverty. The fuel poverty conference provides the opportunity for people involved in tackling fuel poverty or interested in the subject to discuss what is being done currently and how this good work can be increased. Derek Thomas said'Primrose has organised this event on my behalf because we need local authorities, health professionals, energy companies, construction companies and the voluntary sector to work closely together to address the problem of fuel poverty. We can do this and our efforts will be made easier if we are given clear leadership and funding from Government (after all, nothing achieves collaboration more effectively than the pursuit of government funds). Recent research suggests that West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has a significant fuel poverty problem and I will continue to champion this issue and do what I can to help.' Speakers include: Ed Rees, the Policy and Public Affairs Officer, SmartEnergy.GB who will be presenting how information smart meters provide enable households to reduce their energy use and buy cheaper electricity.Jenny Holland, representing the Association of the Conservation of Energy and will be talking about the benefits of investing in appropriate energy saving measures. If you are interested and would like to attend, please get in contact with Derek's office [email protected]. There are limited spaces available so please get in touch as quickly as possible. Primrose said 'This hopes to be a positive and beneficial event, that should highlight all problems, hear the solutions from the people that can help, and learn how these can be implemented to benefit the general public in West Cornwall.'