The Slashing your energy bills while keeping warm event, organised by Wantage Area Climate Action on January 22nd at the Vale and Downland museum had a full house for the speaker Cynthia Sullivan from the Vale of the White Horse District Council.  In order to help people confused by the many different energy saving technologies that are talked about, Cynthia explained "It’s the no cost or low cost actions such as adjusting thermostats and turning equipment off when it isn't being used that can give the biggest savings. 

Renewable energy technologies such as solar or wind power are much less financially attractive and so should only really be contemplated when all the basic energy saving measures have been implemented."  With the average annual energy bill per household being £1,000, and the average cost of fuel for cars being £2,000, small savings can soon add up to big savings.Cynthia also explained about the many grants available in the Vale for cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and other measures.  Free energy saving light bulbs were also distributed to all attendees.Emily le Cornu also spoke about a new Energy Saving Trust field trial to evaluate a new type of central heating thermostat that is estimated to save 10% of heating bills.  This involves the installation of several temperature loggers around the house, and the householder taking weekly gas readings.  Payments of £100 are offered for this, and prizes totalling £9,500 for householders completing the two year trial.  Several attendees have signed up for this scheme, which following our event is now fully subscribed.  If you would like to be on the mailing list for future WACA (Wantage Area Climate Action) Group events, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .