Energy monitors update your electricity usage every six seconds, allowing you to start working out the best ways to make savings.

The monitors are free to loan, simple to operate and can show you how much electricity you are using. It’s very simple to operate and takes about five minutes to set up.

There is nothing technical or dangerous involved and instructions are provided in the box.

The device should be left running for a couple of days before electricity usage is altered, this way a reliable baseline for comparison can be created.

Look for the energy monitor in your nearest library or mobile library. If you can’t see one ask a member of
staff who will be able to order one.

This is a very simple process with expenditure offset against tax through your annual Tax Return form, up to a maximum of £1,500 per property (specific tax queries can be answered by going to www.hmrc.gov.uk).

It is important for you to act now, as Energy Performance Certificates became compulsory for all new tenancies in 2009.

These certificates will rate the relative energy efficiency of your property and all prospective tenants
will have to see this prior to signing any tenancy agreement.

All individual landlords who let residential properties and declare the income through Income Tax are eligible to claim this allowance when they install the above measures in their rented homes.

For more information visit http://www.changeworks.org.uk/
LESA covers the following energy efficiency measures:

• loft insulation
• cavity wall insulation
• solid wall insulation
• draught proofing
• hot water system insulation
• floor insulation

The Thames Gateway South Essex Warm and Healthy Homes partnerships objective is to tackle fuel poverty, they are offering homeowners free and heavily discounted grants to reduce their heating bills and to help conserve energy.

For more information please call 0800 980 6022