By IW Galleries
Utilita, a Pay As You Go (PAYG) energy company has opened a new Isle of Wight-based Energy Hub in Newport’s High Street as part of its drive to have more face-to-face conversations with people about how to make their energy go further and pay less.
One of the UK’s top 10 energy companies, Utilita is seeking to help households save up to £163, equivalent to a 13 per cent reduction on the average energy bill. They can install a free Smart Meter in the customer’s home or garage with a small in-home display which shows how much energy is being used in real-time. The company is also well-placed to support people who are experiencing fuel poverty.
The Energy Hub will be promoting the Energy High Five campaign, five free and simple ways to reduce energy wastage, It is also selling a range of energy-saving devices, many Alexa-enabled giving voice control over electrical items.
Utilita CEO, Bill Bullen commented on Utilita’s biggest Energy Hub launch to date: “Today an alarming 25 per cent of residents on the Isle of Wight are facing fuel poverty, a figure that spurred us on to open the latest Energy Hub here on the Island. It’s clear that more support is needed, and we will work closely with local charities to reach those people.”
The Isle of Wight Footprint Trust helps some 2,000 vulnerable energy customers every year on the Island. Ray Harrington-Vail the charity’s founder said: “Fuel poverty is a major issue on the Island, affecting 11 per cent of households. We welcome the opening of the Utilita Hub, which will encourage people to obtain cheaper energy. The Trust will be working with Utilita staff to assist local residents.”
Five jobs have already been created in the Hub for Islanders, with two more to be appointed in the coming weeks. Utilita is also looking for ambassadors to help spread the word about the Energy High Five campaign. If you are interested in finding out more, email energyhigh5@utilita.co.uk.
Any local community groups interested in using the dedicated community space free-of-charge can book a session by emailing Isleofwight@utilita.co.uk.
Isle of Wight Observer