Islington Residents Save On Energy Bills

31 August 2011

Over 1,500 Islington households will be warmer this winter and save a total of £322,000 on their fuel bills following a breakthrough energy saving scheme being trialled in Archway

Nicola Hunte, groundwork energy doctor; Gwyn Jones; Cllr Paul Smith

The Archway Low Carbon Zone (LCZ) scheme provides insulation and home energy checks to residents and energy saving lighting to small businesses and schools.

Archway LCZ is one of 10 locations across London chosen for the scheme launched in December 2009. With a year to go, the Archway LCZ has saved over 2,900 tonnes of CO2 and is now almost half way towards its goal of reducing carbon emissions by 20 percent by 2012.

Mr Gwyn Jones, 76, was one of 250 Archway residents who have received a home visit from the Energy Doctor as part of the scheme. He said: "The Archway Low Carbon Zone has give us a £500 trade-in on a brand new boiler and energy saving help and advice."

Cllr Paul Smith, executive member for environment, Islington Council said: "We are on the side of residents so this no frills scheme making warmer homes and putting money back in peoples' pockets is precisely what we mean by helping make Islington a fairer place.

"Record fuel price hikes announced this month are unfair on many poorer residents who last winter faced the stark choice of whether to 'heat or eat'.

"The enthusiasm for the scheme and the progress we've made means more people will be warmer this winter."

35 businesses will save up to 40 percent on their lighting costs following energy audits of their premises recommended new subsidized-cost bulbs.

Council officers are also working with Whittington Hospital and Archway Leisure Centre to support them to reduce their CO2 emissions.

Low Carbon Zones is funded by the Mayor of London.

Darrel Moore