The service is run by the charity, the Marches Energy Agency charity, in partnership with Citizen’s Advice Mid Mercia and the Local Authority Energy Partnership (LAEP) – which includes us and all other Derbyshire councils.

Residents can call for advice about their energy bills, how to make their homes more energy-efficient and how to apply for grants for heating systems and insulation by ringing tel: 0800 677 1332 – and they won’t be charged a penny for the call.

Alternatively, you can email wdd@mea.org.uk and home visits are also available to those who need more help.

Council Leader and cabinet member for strategic leadership, clture, tourism and climate change, Cllr Barry Lewis, said:

“With energy prices set to rise again, we know this will put an extra strain on people’s bank balances and some residents may struggle to pay their bills. “This free advice line will help local people by supporting them to make their homes more energy-efficient and look at ways to reduce their energy use.”

Peter Burgess-Allen, project manager at Marches Energy Agency, said: “Cold homes can seriously affect people’s health.

“The 54% rise in the energy price cap due in April means many more people in Derbyshire will struggle to pay their energy bills and face the choice to either “heat or eat”.

“Warmer Derby and Derbyshire can help these householders, to make their homes warmer and more energy efficient by offering impartial advice on energy bills, insulation and other energy efficiency measures, as well as financial help.”