Taking the fear out of energy bills: how small changes can make homes warmer and cheaper to run
In episode 10 of Tomorrow’s Energy, we talk to Darryl Plummer about Groundwork Five Counties and the Green Doctors who help householders take smarter energy choices making everyday living more affordable
With energy bills continuing to put pressure on household budgets, the thought of turning up the heating can bring anxiety for many people.
Whilst the cost of keeping warm is a genuine concern, there are practical steps households can take to improve comfort, reduce energy use and regain confidence in managing their energy bills.
That is the message from Darryl Plummer, programme director at Groundwork Five Counties, who joins episode 10 of Tomorrow's Energy to discuss the challenges facing households and how its Green Doctor service is helping people make a real difference to their homes.
Working with local authorities and social housing providers across the East Midlands, the charity offers free, tailored energy advice, helping residents understand their properties, make better use of heating and tackle problems such as damp and mould. In 2025 and 2026, the team visited more than 400 households.
Darryl recognises that the financial pressure is significant, particularly for older people, lower-income households and those living in less energy-efficient properties.
He says: “I think everybody’s being hit hard. Energy prices are rising faster than salaries. The cost of living is going up and salaries aren’t matching that.”
I think everybody’s being hit hard. Energy prices are rising faster than salaries. The cost of living is going up and salaries aren’t matching that.
How we heat our homes
For some, the familiar choice between heating and eating remains a reality. Others are so worried about the cost of energy that they heat themselves rather than their homes, potentially creating colder conditions where damp and mould can develop.
Darryl says: “We are seeing people living in conditions below 14 degrees.”
But his message is not simply about the scale of the problem. It is about helping people understand that there are ways to take control, and that improving a home’s warmth does not necessarily mean spending more money.
One of the first things Green Doctor advisers look at when they visit a home is the energy tariff. Some households may have stayed with the same provider and deal for 10, 20 or even 25 years, without realising that another tariff could better suit their needs.
For example, households using storage heaters may benefit from a tariff offering cheaper overnight electricity. Green Doctors can explain the options and, with residents’ permission, contact suppliers and help arrange a switch.
For Darryl, removing the fear around making changes is essential.
“There’s almost too much choice and people get very confused by what’s available,” he says. Digital systems can also make switching difficult for older people who are less confident online.
“We give them the reassurance and the confidence that what they’re doing is actually beneficial.”
Instant home energy improvements
There are also straightforward improvements that can make a home more comfortable. Green Doctors can fit draught excluders around doors and windows, replace traditional bulbs with LEDs and install reflective foil behind radiators on external walls to help direct heat back into rooms.
They also look at boiler flow temperatures, radiator thermostats and how people use their heating. Rather than turning the heating up high for a short burst, maintaining a lower, more consistent temperature can help create a more comfortable environment and reduce cold spots where condensation and mould can develop.
A saving of £325 a year
Importantly, the support goes beyond energy-saving advice. The team can identify benefit entitlements, local grants and other financial assistance that households may not know they can access.
The charity estimates that households save an average of around £325 a year following Green Doctor advice.
Darryl’s message is that people should not feel they have to work everything out alone or be frightened of making the wrong decision.
He adds: “If you consider yourself to not be warm, you’re in a situation where you’re actually struggling and you need help or advice, something that we’re able to help and support with.”
High energy bills may be difficult to avoid, but understanding your tariff, making small improvements and getting the right support can help make them less daunting. Sometimes, the first step towards a warmer home and lower bills is simply knowing who to ask.
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