Merton residents save on energy

Residents and local businesses in the London borough of Merton will have something to cheer about as their council is teaming up with an environmental charity in a bid to help them save money on their gas and electricity bills.

Sustainable Merton, a locally-based charitable organisation, will team up with the council in order to spearhead an initiative that will see £76,000 invested into two main energy initiatives - the Green Deal and the Big London Switch.

The authority has not been resting on its laurels either, having approached 500 homes across the borough with a view to helping them cut their energy spend with a free energy assessment.

While residents will see a hefty proportion of the money set aside for the project, the council is also targeting local businesses in an effort to make sure the positive effects are spread as far as possible.

"Merton Chamber of Commerce is delighted to be continuing its partnership with Merton Council by working with local businesses to see how they can benefit from the Green Deal," said Diana Sterck, Merton Chamber of Commerce's chief executive.

She also urged small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the area to come along to a government-run event on March 21st where they can find out more about the benefits on offer.

So far, Merton Council is the only local authority in London to win a bid for funding free energy consultations, a factor which demonstrates its commitment to the environment, according to cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration Councillor Andrew Judge.

"At a time when energy bills are soaring, it's important that we help residents, particularly the most vulnerable, get cheaper energy deals and improve their home energy efficiency," he added.

Sustainable Merton will this month be targeting businesses and residents in Cricket Green, Colliers Wood, Mitcham Town Centre and Merton Park, although there are plans to expand the geographical reach of the project to other areas of the borough.

Published 19th March, 2013

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