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Charity Plymouth Energy Community (PEC) has opened a new walk-in energy advice hub on Union Street, for people wanting support on energy-related issues.

The Hub, located in the Genesis Building on Union Street, is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week, where staff will be on hand to provide advice on issues ranging from energy bills, debt and suppliers to impartial guidance on retrofitting homes. 

The Hub was made possible after gas emergency and pipeline service Wales & West Utilities provided money through its Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) fund.

PEC provides a wide range of energy advice to the Plymouth community, from queries about bills, supplier issues, and energy debt, as well as advice on household risks such as carbon monoxide and energy efficiency measures for the home. It is also known for its many community-owned solar schemes across the city. 

PEC Advice Lead, Clare Mains, said: 

We’re so pleased to open the energy advice hub as it’s something we’ve wanted to do for a long time. We know that getting help can often feel overwhelming and time-consuming, so we’ve created a space where people can pop in, have a cup of tea and a chat face-to-face about anything energy-related, from bills to adapting the home to make it more energy efficient.

The hub is a natural extension of the work we’ve been doing to support residents since 2013, and we hope it now makes it easier to access energy advice, in a space that feels homely.

The hub is designed to be a one-of-a-kind space with a quirky, relaxed atmosphere. In line with PEC’s environmental values, everything from the chairs to the lampshades has been sourced secondhand or reclaimed. 

Sophie Shorney, VCMA Manager at Wales & West Utilities, said:

We are delighted to provide this funding which has allowed PEC to create a space in the heart of the city so that more people can get access to vital energy information.

The VCMA fund allows us to work in partnership with organisations, like PEC, to reach more people and provide them with the help they need to ensure they receive the right support and help with their bills, to help keep them safe and warm in their own environment.

Clare continued:

We’re so grateful to Wales & West Utilities and the VCMA fund for helping us bring the hub to life. Their support means we can offer a warm, welcoming space for anyone who needs to talk about energy – whether they’re in crisis, or planning major energy efficiency improvements to their home.

We’ve had such generous support from local people and businesses to bring it to life – including B&Q, which helped us track down half a door when we needed one. We can’t wait to welcome everyone in.

PEC’s Energy Hub is located in the Genesis Building on Union Street and is open Monday and Wednesday (10am-4pm), and Friday (10am-3pm). Booking is not required. You can also get support from PEC by phone on 01752 477117 or via their website: https://plymouthenergycommunity.com/ and at various drop-in sessions in Wellbeing Hubs across the city.