Yorkshire Energy Doctor CIC

13/06/2026

A massive congratulations to Chris at Up For Yorkshire for being awarded the British Empire Medal.

Yorkshire Energy Doctor would not exist without Chris' support, positivity and ability to make things happen. He has also been a key part of delivering our Energy Ambassador training program over the last 6 years and it is always so much fun to work together on these projects.

Well done Chris!

Huge congratulations to our Chief Executive, Chris Hailey-Norris, who has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in today’s King’s Birthday Honours for services to charity and the community in Yorkshire.

Chris has spent decades supporting people through his work with community and charity organisations across the region, and we're delighted to see his dedication recognised in this way.

The award comes during Up For Yorkshire's 50th anniversary year. Last year alone, our team responded to more than 50,000 enquiries, helping people with everything from wellbeing and employability to financial support and community connections.

We’re sure you’ll all join us in congratulating Chris for this well-deserved honour.

Don’t forget you are welcome to join us in celebrating our 50th anniversary year at our charity concert on Friday 20th November with The Fizz! Book your tickets here: https://upforyorkshire.org.uk/50years/

Image with thanks to Kyle Chaplin Photography

13/06/2026

2026

If you care for someone who may need extra support, sign them up to the Priority Services Register with their gas and/or electricity supplier so help is available when they need it.

You are eligible if the household includes someone who is:

➡️Under 5 years old
➡️Over 65 years old
➡️Has a physical or mental health condition
➡️Dependent on electricity for medical reasons
➡️Living with a hearing or visual impairment

You can contact your energy supplier or sign up via the Northern Gas Networks website using our partner code 006: https://www.northerngasnetworks.co.uk/network-supply/priority-customers (they will share the information with Northern Powergrid for the electricity).

It is very quick and easy, and is also self-certifying so you don't need to provide any proof of eligibility. It is nothing to do with income, just who lives in a property.

We can also help with this - call us on 01757 249100.

12/06/2026

This week is Carers Week, recognising the contribution that the UK's 5.8 million unpaid carers make to families and communities throughout the UK, and raising awareness of the challenges carers face.

28% of households with one adult carer are in fuel poverty, rising to 36% in households where an adult carer lives with children.

If you are looking after someone and struggling with energy or water costs get it touch. We can alleviate time pressure if you need someone to advocate on your behalf with a supplier, help with filling in forms to apply for help with debt, and make sure you are registered as a vulnerable customer with your supplier.

Request contact here: bit.ly/requestenergyadvice

11/06/2026

There's still time to join us next Thursday on this brand new course, funded through the NY Village Green project.

Taking action on environmental sustainability can ensure all of us in the voluntary sector are playing our part in tackling climate change, alongside delivering a range of other practical benefits. These include:

➡️ reducing costs
➡️ meeting the expectations of funders and other partners
➡️ demonstrating leadership
➡️ strengthening organisational resilience
➡️ creating positive outcomes for local communities

To find out more and to book your place scan the QR code below or visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1987597241855

The session is free for anyone based within North Yorkshire.

Community First Yorkshire Up For Yorkshire Harrogate & District Community Action Hambleton Community Action Coast & Vale Community Action

10/06/2026

Energy suppliers and Yorkshire Water have hardship funds to help with debt. Water and broadband companies have social tariffs to cap water costs for low income households. However, a report from the National Audit Office today shows that over one-third of eligible customers are not aware of the support available and £7 billion is currently owed to utility suppliers.

If you would like to know more about these schemes, or need help to apply, then please get in touch with us. We can advocate on your behalf and help fill in application forms.

You can also visit the advice pages on our website which list a range of support schemes that are available: https://yorkshireenergydoctor.org.uk/advice/grants-and-other-support/

27/05/2026

It was expected that the energy price cap would rise significantly in July, given that it is based on prices during a 3 month period that covers the whole of the conflict in the Middle East.

▶️This 13% increase impacts you if you are on the variable standard tariff with your energy supplier. If you are on a fix then you only need to think about this when your fix runs out.

➡️The biggest rise is on gas prices with the gas unit rate increasing by 26% and the electricity unit rate by 6%. There are only minor changes in the standing charges.

➡️The increase will add £221 per year to a typical household energy bill BUT these prices are only set for 3 months, at a time of year when we don't use as much energy.

The real impact depends on what happens next. The price cap will change again on 1st October so prices for the winter largely depend on if and when the conflict in the Middle East ends.

You can avoid the rises by fixing your prices now at a lower level, visit the Martin Lewis website for more advice: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2026/05/martin-lewis-energy-price-cap-rise-july/

26/05/2026

We'll be attending this event at Community House in Selby on Friday.

Come along for a chat if you would like to know what support is available around energy and water bills!

If you want to improve your wellbeing but could do with some support or information then our Wellbeing Fair is a great place to start.

Pop into Community House (opposite Aldi) on Friday between 10am and 1pm.

14/05/2026

It was announced this week that E.ON have agreed to buy Ovo Energy which would see E.ON taking on 4 million customers from Ovo.

The takeover deal is however subject to regulatory approval so you won't see any changes until later this year. If you are currently with Ovo then there is no need to worry, any existing tariffs will be honoured and your service would be uninterrupted.

If the deal does go ahead then E.ON will become the largest energy supplier in the UK, overtaking Octopus Energy.

You can read more here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn4pl91npjdo

12/05/2026

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week.

We regularly see the impacts of fuel poverty on mental wellbeing through living in a cold home, being in energy debt, and/or having worries about paying energy costs.

Our free service is friendly, understanding and supportive so if you (or someone you know) are struggling with issues around your energy bills then get in touch. We can advocate on your behalf, look for schemes that can help, and provide independent advice.

You can find all of our contact details here: https://yorkshireenergydoctor.org.uk/contact/

11/05/2026

Did you know that £3.3 billion of Council Tax support went unclaimed by households in 2025?

Council Tax support is not given automatically, you need to apply to your local Council.

There is an excellent guide to who may qualify for this on the Money Saving Expert website, visit: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/council-tax-discounts/