Mr Toast pops up to help you slash energy bills

Residents of Greater Manchester have been finding out how they can slash their energy bills thanks to Mr Toast.

The mascot has been popping up in neighbourhoods across the region, starting in Ramsbottom, letting people know how they can make their homes warmer and more efficient as the winter begins and temperatures begin to drop.

Mr Toast appeared in various locations in Ramsbottom to inform residents about the potential savings they can make as part of Greater Manchester’s Get Me Toasty scheme. He was accompanied by Michelle Stott, Bury Council’s affordable warmth officer; Isabel Farnell from Groundwork; and a team from the Greater Manchester Energy Advice Service which administers the scheme

Local councillor Luise Fitzwalter was also there, and said: “With the colder weather about to start, the cost of keeping warm is a serious concern for a huge number of residents in Bury, especially with the recently announced energy price hikes.

“It was fantastic that Ramsbottom was chosen for the start of this two -week promotion and following this we would like to encourage residents not only in Ramsbottom but across Bury to get in touch with the energy advice line or visit the website and find out whether they they’re eligible for this free service."

Under the scheme, Bury Council is working with Carillion who are an approved installer to make homes more efficient by replacing boilers and providing new loft and cavity wall installation.

Residents living in certain post code areas – some of which Mr Toast will have visited during the tour –and those claiming certain benefits, or residents living in properties where there are solid walls and/or hard to treat cavity walls (with narrow cavities), may be able to receive some assistance via this scheme.

Wherever possible, the team will make appointments there and then for experts to visit residents’ homes and carry out an assessment.

Don’t worry if you missed Mr Toast in Ramsbottom - you can visit http://www.getmetoasty.com/ or call the Greater Manchester Energy Advice Service on 0800 009 3363 to find out whether you are eligible and to arrange a free ‘no obligation’ survey.

ENDS

Press release issued: 30 October 2013.

Picture attached: With Mr Toast at the Tilted Urn in Ramsbottom are (from left) Isabel Farnell from Groundwork, Michelle Stott from Bury Council, Tina Bugliosi from the Greater Manchester Energy Advice Service (GMEAS), Cllr Luise Fitzwalter, and Rebecca Bates (GMEAS).