Hi

Even as the days have shortened, we’ve been working night and day for those affected by fuel poverty.

But now, due to a funding gap in January, our service has come under threat. Please read on for details about how you can help us continue, by donating to our first ever crowdfunder.

If you know a friend or relative who might also be willing to support us, please do share this newsletter with them, or one of our social media posts - thank you.

- Giovanna.

Support our Energy Advice Team, Before Our Funding Gap Hits in January

Our award-winning energy advice team, only recently described by our sector’s national award judges as “incredible” for their work, is running out of funds.

Due to a funding gap, unless we raise a significant sum by January, we will have to temporarily wind down their activities – leaving our clients – those worst hit by the cost-of-living crisis in Greenwich, Lewisham, Bromley and Bexley without the support they need at the coldest, and most critical time of the year.

We are asking local businesses, residents and others who are able, to donate what they can so our team can keep providing.

Selce Energy Advice Team Wins Fuel Poverty Action Award

Our energy advice team was the winner of the Fuel Poverty Action award at the Community Energy Awards in Sheffield on 17 November.

Our founder and CEO Giovanna Speciale was also recognised for her work, awarded the Community Energy Champion award, which each year goes to an individual working in the community energy sector - read our coverage.

Utility Bills: What Grants and Other Support is Available?

As the cold season takes hold, it’s more important than ever to be aware of the range of grants and extra support available to you to help manage your energy and water bills this winter - read on.

All You Need to Know About Smart Meters

While delivering energy advice or at community events, many people have asked us about smart meters, should we get one? What are the benefits or drawbacks? And what can they do for our home?

So, by popular demand, here we cover all you need to know on smart meters - the benefits, drawbacks and what they can do for our home.

Solar Boaters - Powering off-Grid Lives

Our work in solar recently went beyond land with the Greening Your Boat course, which supported over 20 boat owners at South Dock Marina, through funding from the Southwark Community Energy Fund - read the story, impact & results.

We are Seeking Volunteer Trustees - Could This Be You?

The Board of Directors are now looking to establish a new independent charity focused on fuel poverty alleviation. We are looking for at least two founder trustees to help us register and set up the charity and who will eventually become trustees on the board - find out more.

Selce Among Signatories to Letter to Chancellor on Retrofit Cuts

Ahead of budget, we were among the signatories to a letter to the chancellor, highlighting that potential cuts to home insulation / retrofit funding will only harm those in fuel poverty, alongside climate goals – you can read the letter here.

Sure enough, in the budget the ECO4 scheme has been scrapped, though will remain in place until the end 31st March - read E3G’s response - and look out for more from us on this soon.

You can also find out more about Selce’s formula for successful retrofit here, and how it’s setup to avoid some of the negative headlines on ECO you may have read.