Yorkshire Energy Doctor CIC

02/09/2026

Energy prices are going to reach a 3-year high in October so why not access one of our free courses to learn more about energy, how you can save yourself money, and how you can help others this winter.

Visit our website for more information and to book on: https://yorkshireenergydoctor.org.uk/services/training-courses/

31/08/2026

Argos is the only big retailer so far to be selling plug-in solar panels but B&Q, Wickes, Lidl and Amazon are expected to follow later in the year. Octopus Energy are also selling panels.

Although you could just buy these solar panels and plug them in, it is recommended that you get your wiring checked first by a qualified electrician to ensure they will be safe for your home.

For more information and answers to FAQs visit the Martin Lewis website (link in comments).

26/08/2026

The 4% rise in the energy price cap announced by Ofgem today follows a 13% increase on 1st July. This means we're going into the colder months, when our demand for energy will be much higher, with prices at their highest level for 3 years.

Will this impact you?

Yes, if you are one of the 22 million households on a variable/standard/default tariff with your energy supplier. If you are on a fixed tariff your prices won't change until the end of your contract.

What should you do?

If you are on a variable tariff, look at shopping around. There are currently fixed tariffs available that are around 6% below the current price cap so you could save straight away. By fixing now, you would also avoid October’s 4% price cap increase and, with the cap currently projected to rise again in January, securing a fixed tariff could potentially save you even more next year.

Check out the Martin Lewis website for more advice around different tariff types: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/are-there-any-cheap-fixed-energy-deals-currently-worth-it/

If you would like any further 1-2-1 advice on tariffs please get in touch with us at Yorkshire Energy Doctor.

20/08/2026

Following the recent heatwaves and wildfires, do you feel like you should know more about climate change, and/or would you like to ensure that you are reducing your own environmental impact as much as possible?

Our new e-learning course is designed to be an accessible introduction to climate change, its impacts and the role we can all play in taking positive environmental action at home, in our organisations and within communities.

It is delivered through the NY Village Green project so is free for anyone living or working in North Yorkshire.

Register here for access to the course: https://bit.ly/climatechangeandthevoluntarysector

18/08/2026

Are you, your son or daughter, or another family member going backpacking this summer?

The “Pack Safe Appeal” was born out of a tragic and avoidable accident. Hudson Foley died at just 24 years of age from carbon monoxide poisoning while he was travelling overseas and staying in a homestay accommodation in Ecuador.

Hudson’s mother, Cathy Foley, has created the campaign in an effort to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and to encourage anyone who travels, especially young backpackers, to pack a carbon monoxide alarm.

Hear about Hudson’s story here: https://youtu.be/ZiWCwBC0TxA

Watch how Carbon Monoxide can devastate a family, like Hudson's.C...

13/08/2026

Today is going to be a particularly hot one. The Centre for Sustainable Energy has lots of great tips to stay cool in your home during heatwaves.

One important message is that a fan doesn't cost as much as you may think to run, typically 3p for a 100w fan.

Visit their website for further top tips, including how to maximise the effectiveness of a fan and freezing half-filled hot water bottles:

The Centre for Sustainable Energy's energy advisors share their top tips for how you can stay cool in hot weather at home

12/08/2026

Travelling abroad this summer?

Don’t just assume you will be safe.

Carbon monoxide can be present in any environment where fuel is burned, including villas, Airbnbs, hotel rooms, mobile homes, rented properties, and hostels.

It does not discriminate between homes and holiday destinations and is a silent travel health risk.

There is no guarantee that your holiday destination will have a carbon monoxide alarm, laws vary from country to country. It’s been estimated that as many as 40% of self-catering accommodation abroad will not have a CO alarm.

Keep yourself safe, pack a carbon monoxide alarm.

11/08/2026

The Warm Home Discount gives eligible households £150 to help with their energy bills, this will be vital help this winter given recent rises in energy bills.

❗️BUT - you (or your partner) need to be named on an electricity account on Sunday 23rd August 2026 to receive the discount automatically.

You may not be named if you:

➡ have moved house recently and not yet set up your account
➡ have a prepayment meter and have never registered your name onto the electricity account
➡ have someone else's name on your account but they don't live there

In these cases, call your supplier and get your account set-up before 23rd August. The payment will be made onto your energy account between October '26 and March '27.

For more information on qualifying benefits visit: https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme

Get in touch if you have any questions!

05/08/2026

Are you going camping this summer?

Be carbon monoxide aware.

In October 2025, a couple died from carbon monoxide poisoning after using a gas heater in their campervan in the New Forest.

In June 2025, a couple died in their tent whilst camping in Scotland from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning from a gas camping stove.

Be aware of the risks of fuel burning appliances in enclosed spaces, pack a carbon monoxide alarm, and keep yourselves and loved ones safe this summer.

03/08/2026

Our next Energy Skills course starts in September!

This free course is open to anyone living in North Yorkshire or York and is a great way to gain knowledge and skills that will benefit you personally, as well as helping if you want to upskill or reskill for work or volunteering in the energy advice or sustainability sector.

We offer 2 x online group sessions plus resources that you can work through independently in your own time. It is informal, enjoyable, and very informative.

To find out more visit our website here: https://yorkshireenergydoctor.org.uk/2026/03/19/energy-skills-course/ or email Kate: [email protected]