Marches Energy Advice, a service delivered by Marches Energy Agency, has been awarded funding through Shrewsbury Town Council's new three-year Cost of Living Grant Fund, enabling the organisation to expand its support for local working households struggling with rising energy costs and wider cost of living pressures.
The funding forms part of the Council's £80,000 annual Cost of Living Fund, established to support organisations delivering practical, frontline assistance to residents experiencing financial hardship.
Based in Shrewsbury, Marches Energy Agency has a long track record of helping households across the region improve energy efficiency, reduce fuel poverty and access support to manage rising energy costs. Through its Marches Energy Advice service, the charity provides expert advice, home visits and practical energy-saving measures that help residents make informed decisions, reduce energy consumption and achieve meaningful financial savings.
The new project, Energy Support for Working Households, has been designed to reach people who may not traditionally access support services despite experiencing financial pressures. The programme will focus on low-income working households, including families, older workers and people employed in sectors such as care, retail and hospitality.
Over the next three years, the project aims to support approximately 1,180 households across Shrewsbury, benefiting an estimated 2,700 residents. The programme will deliver a range of tailored services including Home Energy MOT assessments, in-depth energy advice sessions, targeted outreach campaigns and referrals to wider support services such as grants, benefits advice and debt support.
Marches Energy Advice will also work closely with local employers, schools and community organisations to ensure support reaches households that may be unaware of available assistance or reluctant to seek help.
The project is expected to deliver significant financial and environmental benefits, including helping households achieve average annual savings of more than £250 on their energy bills, securing around £145,000 in total bill savings, delivering more than £150,000 of energy efficiency improvements and supporting residents to access additional sources of financial assistance.
Davina Allen, Director of Energy Services at Marches Energy Agency, said:
Many working households continue to face significant pressures from rising energy and household costs. This funding will enable us to reach more people across Shrewsbury with practical advice and support that can help reduce bills, improve energy efficiency and increase financial resilience. We are grateful to Shrewsbury Town Council for investing in services that help residents make lasting savings and stay warm in their homes."
Councillor Emma Micklewright, Chair of Shrewsbury Town Council's Cost of Living Grants Sub-Committee, said:
Energy costs remain a major challenge for many households. Marches Energy Advice presented a strong proposal that will deliver practical support, help residents reduce their bills and reach people who may not otherwise seek assistance. "Reducing energy costs will not only save residents money but will reduce environmental impacts. We are pleased to support this important work through the Cost of Living Grant Fund."
The grant award will support delivery of the project which runs until March 2029. Progress will be monitored annually against agreed outcomes, including the number of households supported, financial savings achieved, energy efficiency improvements delivered and engagement with community partners across the town.
The project will begin delivery during the 2026/27 financial year as part of Shrewsbury Town Council's wider commitment to helping residents navigate ongoing cost of living challenges and build stronger, more resilient communities.