Ethos Public Relations Manchester

Contour switch on affordable warmth strategy

by Ethos public relations

As colder weather approaches Contour Homes is asking its thousands of residents to switch on their central heating system now and check it is in full working order.

Steven Partner Group Assistant Director for Asset Management: “We are working with PH Jones using text messages to ask customers to test their central heating system is in full working order before the really cold weather sets in. If customers do have any problems hopefully they can be identified and rectified now before it gets really cold."

This unique initiative is one of a number being developed as part of Contour’s Affordable Warmth Strategy which has been produced in association with external experts and tenant representatives.

Contour wants to improve the ability of customers to meet their fuel costs and reduce the number of customers who experience fuel poverty. Consumer focused activities will include producing tariff advice and guidance via the website and tenant magazine, developing and sharing energy saving hints and tips, providing free energy saving devices and training and devising an annual road show schedule of energy saving road shows to schemes, estate, schools and shopping centres.

“The strategy is part of a bigger Contour Housing Group Sustainable and Environmental Strategy,” adds Steven. “We are working closely with our contractor PH Jones to implement specific initiatives like the central heating test and providing face to face advice when operatives carry out annual gas safety checks.”

Contour Homes is also looking research a competitive preferred supplier agreement and will be researching and providing information to tenants about grant funding criteria.  Staff and tenant champions will be trained to provide proactive energy efficiency advice to as many customers as possible and affordable warmth will be linked to Group wide property maintenance strategies.

Residents from the Major Works panel were heavily involved in the development of the strategy and Eileen Hutchinson Contour Homes tenant and Group Board Member believes it is an exemplar in the industry.

“With the help of an external consultant we have worked hard to ensure that we not only meet but exceed guidelines,” she said.

“We have looked at every element of Contour’s work to develop and roll out a programme of activity over the next few years which we believe will have a genuine impact in reducing fuel poverty for Contour Homes residents.”

Posted at 4^th November 2010