30/10/2025
This Friday, 31st October, Blackpool Advice will host a special Energy Workshop for local residents and businesses at our main office, 27 St Anne’s Road, FY4 2AP. The event runs from 9:30am to 4:30pm, and everyone is welcome to drop in at any time during the day — no appointment necessary.
The Energy Workshop is designed to help households and small businesses across Blackpool, Fylde, and Wyre understand their energy use, cut unnecessary costs, and check whether they qualify for extra help this winter. Whether you’re struggling with rising bills, unsure about your tariff, or simply looking for practical ways to save, this session will provide clear, impartial information in a friendly and relaxed setting.
Why Attend the Energy Workshop?
Energy costs remain a major concern for many households and small enterprises in the area. With colder months ahead, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re not paying more than you should — and that you’re receiving all the support you’re entitled to.
At this workshop, you can:
Bring your recent gas, electric, or water bills for a free, confidential review.
Speak directly with an energy advisor from the Citizens Information & Advice Bureau (Blackpool Advice).
Learn about Winter Fuel Payments, Cold Weather Payments, and other government-backed schemes.
Meet a representative from United Utilities, John Carpenter, who can help explain energy bills, support tariffs, and how to manage payments.
Discover free and discounted home improvements through schemes such as ECO4 and the Home Upgrade Grant — including insulation, boiler replacements, and renewable energy options.
The goal is to help every visitor leave with actionable steps to reduce costs and improve energy efficiency — whether that’s switching tariffs, applying for grants, or making simple changes at home or work
What You Can Bring
To get the most from your visit, please bring:
Your latest energy or water bills (electric, gas, and/or water).
Any letters or statements about energy tariffs or arrears.
Identification (for example, a driving licence or recent bill in your name) — useful if applying for support schemes.
Questions you’d like answered about payments, discounts, or home upgrades.
Even if you don’t have all your paperwork, you are still very welcome to attend. Advisors will do their best to help with the information you can provide.
Who Will Be There
An advisor from the Citizens Information & Advice Bureau will be on hand throughout the day to provide clear explanations about your energy usage, payment plans, and the support available to you. They can also direct you to further help with benefits, debt, housing, or budgeting if your situation requires more tailored assistance.
John Carpenter, United Utilities representative will offer information on switching and financial assistance options. If you’re having difficulty managing payments, you can find out what flexible solutions are available.
Key Topics Covered
Understanding Your Bills
How to read your energy and water statements.
Spotting common billing errors or unnecessary charges.
Comparing tariffs and knowing when to switch.
Winter Energy Support
Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments (for those born before a certain date).
Cold Weather Payments for those on certain benefits.
Warm Home Discount Scheme and how to apply.
Grants and Funding
The ECO4 Scheme: Free or subsidised insulation, boiler upgrades, and energy-saving measures for eligible households.
The Home Upgrade Grant for homes not connected to mains gas.
Local council and charity funds that can help with energy-related emergencies.
Energy Efficiency Advice
Simple steps to reduce energy waste.
How small behaviour changes can save significant amounts each year.
Options for renewable energy and smart home technology.
Business Support
Energy management tips for small businesses.
Grants and green initiatives for local enterprises.
Advice on reducing overhead costs while maintaining productivity.
Why Blackpool Advice Is Hosting This Event
At Blackpool Advice, we see every day how rising costs affect people’s lives — from individuals on fixed incomes to families balancing household budgets and small business owners trying to stay competitive. The aim of this workshop is to empower local residents and businesses with the knowledge and confidence to manage their bills and access fair support.
As part of our ongoing community commitment, our Energy Workshop is completely free and impartial. We work with partners such as United Utilities, local councils, and national support schemes to make sure the information provided is accurate and up to date.
Event Details at a Glance
Event: Energy Workshop
Date: Friday 31st October
Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Location: Blackpool Advice, 27 St Anne’s Road, FY4 2HG
Cost: Free entry
Booking: No appointment needed — just drop in anytime.
Ongoing Support Beyond the Event
If your situation needs more detailed attention — for example, if you’re struggling with arrears, benefits, or housing — you can speak with one of our advisors privately.
Our Walk-In Surgery is open weekdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm Mon-Thu. For businesses or residents who need a longer consultation, appointments can be booked outside these hours using our online calendar at www.blackpooladvice.org.
Every appointment is free, impartial, and confidential. Our trained advisors will listen, guide, and connect you to the right support networks or official services — whether that’s the council, the Department for Work and Pensions, debt charities, or energy providers.
How to Contact Us
Visit: 27 St Anne’s Road, Blackpool, FY4 2AP
Phone: 01253 835 580
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.blackpooladvice.org
Follow us on social media for updates on local support schemes, training sessions, and future events.
Final Message
No one should face the winter months worrying about how to heat their home or keep their business running. By bringing the right people and information together in one place, the Energy Workshop offers practical solutions to help you stay warm, save money, and plan ahead with confidence.
Drop in any time between 9:30am and 4:30pm this Friday — and take the first step towards a warmer, more affordable winter.
