A new 'Energy Doctor' service, which offers consumers practical advice on energy use, has been launched with the appointment of Gary Stevens.

The appointment has been funded by the Isle of Man Government’s Energy Initiatives Fund and delivered through Age Concern.

Energy Doctor Gary Stevens said ‘I’ll be making home visits to assess what energy-saving measures could be introduced to help reduce householders’ fuel bills and increase comfort in the home.

'I’ll be checking levels of loft insulation, that central heating boilers and radiators are performing efficiently, thermostatic radiator valves are functioning correctly and windows are properly weather-sealed.’

Mr Stevens will also be able to issue householders free packs containing simple but effective energy-saving devices, including four energy-efficient light bulbs and four reflective radiator panels per household, along with draught excluders and door and letterbox brushes where required.

He continued ‘A typical visit lasts about two hours during which I can offer advice on the range of government grants available to help towards the cost of installing energy-saving measures such as double glazing and cavity wall and loft insulation, and I can also fill in the application forms on behalf of the householder if required.’

Mr Stevens, who holds NHER (National Home Energy Rating) accreditation and has undergone RDSAP (Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure) training, brings a wealth of experience to the post having worked for a leading double glazing company and for a hotel group in a maintenance capacity in the Island.

Age Concern Isle of Man Chief Executive Penny Creighton MBE said ‘In Gary, we have the right man for this specialist role. He has practical experience combined with exceptional interpersonal skills.

‘The Energy Doctor scheme is based on a project launched in the UK in 2002 aimed at reducing vulnerable households’ energy costs. The scheme has been customised for the Isle of Man and as well as offering practical energy-saving solutions it will help shape householders’ views on energy conservation.  

'We must take action on fuel poverty now and to do this we need a community response, and this is where the Energy Doctor can help make a very real difference to people’s comfort in their homes…and in their fuel bills.’

The Energy Doctor service is available to private and public sector householders of all ages in the Isle of Man. 

One-off home consultations will be arranged by appointment through Age Concern, with referrals coming from agencies across the voluntary sector and the DHSS. Alternatively, Mr Stevens can be contacted direct by telephoning Age Concern on 613044.
 
www.ageconcerniom.com