AES Community Energy Services is a new initiative to assist residents reduce their fuel costs and environmental impact while it also raises funds for local initiatives and services.

How does it work?

Launched in 2002, AES is unique in its focus to help residents with all aspects of domestic heating and power. Since its launch in 2002 it has helped raise £150,000 to assist Social landlords and councils provide affordable warmth for their tenants.

New customers – or even those thinking about joining can phone the AES freephone number (freephone: 0800 783 4761) for a quick estimate of how much they will save on their home energy bills and to ask about green energy tariffs. The scheme also provides householders with advice about saving energy in the home and customers can find out if they qualify for discounts on a range of energy saving products (including cavity wall and loft insulation).

AES has looked at all the options, contacted all the gas and electricity suppliers and analysed the replies - price is not the only important factor.  We want to be sure that you can pay by the method you prefer and at places you can get to. We want to be sure you will get help if you  cannot afford to pay and will not be forced to have a card meter if you don’t want one.  We have then selected one preferred supplier to partner us on this scheme.

The income generated by the scheme (via the utility supply company) is placed in funds to be used by the community organisation for each of its group members who join the scheme. This money can then fund local initiatives from local village hall repairs to renewable energy options for community buildings.

Why do it?

• Creates a fund that can be used to help local initiatives i.e. the local school
• Helps residents obtain fuel supplies at a competitive rate, or green electric and gas supplies.
• Provide residents with access to subsidised energy efficient products.
• Some residents switching to a new supplier will also benefit from reduced running costs for their homes. This is particularly useful to those on fixed incomes.

How can we become involved?

Any community group, parish council, school, church, local authority etc can join the scheme. For every individual who joins the “community scheme” funding generated via the fuel supply company will be donated to the community group for local initiatives.