York Energy Advice

23/07/2026

We offer similar support on energy issues as Citizens Advice York. Whether you contact us or them, free help is available! If you (or someone you know) are struggling, do reach out.

07/07/2026

We’re supporting York Talk Money Campaign this July, encouraging everyone to get involved. Small changes can help make every penny count - save smart, live better. We're here to help with any energy issues; there’s lots of other support and advice available via https://www.livewellyork.co.uk/talkmoney

02/07/2026

Neil looks forward to being back at The Collective Sharehouse on 17th July 9am-11am! He'll have good energy advice, for those who already take shorter showers too 😃.

01/07/2026

You probably know that energy prices could rise for you today if you are on a capped tariff. Do take meter readings in case there's an issue with your billing later. Do you also know about the impact the recent BBC long wave radio switch off could have on electricity meters or heating systems? Please share, especially with people with storage heaters.

After several delays, the BBC switched off its long wave radio service at the weekend. The technology had neared the end of its life, listeners were switching to other digital platforms, and it was no longer cost effective to maintain.

Longwave radio signals have been used by the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), a technology introduced in the 1980s which could tell electricity meters when to switch between peak and off peak rates, and/or when to turn heating and hot water systems on and off.

There is a risk that these will no longer work as they should do now that the long wave service has been turned off. Read more on our website here: https://yorkshireenergydoctor.org.uk/2026/06/24/rts-switch-off-2/

24/06/2026

Ok, couldn't resist 😅! Our advisor Ivana tried the "yoghurt method" to keep her home cool yesterday. Here are the results: maximum outside temperature was a sweaty 32.5॰C vs. the bedroom with yoghurt painted on the outside of the window got to a fairly comfy 25.6॰C. A blackout curtain knocked an extra 1॰C off in the bathroom though, and triple glazing as well as insulation help too...

Still, keeping the sun out as much as possible (before choosing more energy-hungry solutions such as air-con) definitely works. More good cooling tips at: https://www.heatwavetoolkit.com/

22/06/2026

Looking for a fun family-friendly event in York, UK this Sunday? Pop along to the West Bank Park Summer Fair 1-4pm, off Acomb Road/ Hamilton Drive! Play energy games and say hello on our stall.

See more details of the Park Friends' page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558690347127
York Community Energy

18/06/2026

Ready for the next heatwave? Energy hungry air-con doesn't have to be the answer. This toolkit can help you find cheaper solutions to keeping cool, some obvious and others less so: https://www.heatwavetoolkit.com/

Do let us know if you try the yoghurt painting 😀 (a method verified by Loughborough University)! We're curious York Community Energy

How to keep cool at home. A list of low cost ideas for hestwaves. Well-being, sleep and mental health and chronic conditions are made worse in extreme heat. How to adapt your home. Temporary

14/04/2026

Would like to harness the lovely sunshine to reduce energy bills but not sure where to start? You can find your building's potential for generating clean electricity with this free, non-commercial tool: https://solarwizard.org.uk/

It provides independent solar array estimates, with no sales pressure. Worth a try even though it's not always accurate!
York Community Energy

Solar Wizard calculates the potential to generate electricity from rooftop solar panels for homes in England, Scotland and Wales. It provides quick and independent predictions about the viability of solar PV on single buildings or groups of buildings.

31/03/2026

The energy price cap is dropping tomorrow. If you don't have a working smart meter, take and submit readings to your supplier so you get billed accurately!