Resident Testimonial

A Tendring Resident’s Story

Making a Real Difference to Local Homes

Hear directly from a local resident about the difference that energy-efficiency improvements, solar panels and battery storage have made to his home.

From energy improvements to generating power at home

For this Clacton-on-Sea resident, improving the energy efficiency of his home has brought together several important measures: loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, solar panels and battery storage.

The improvements, delivered by Happy Energy, demonstrate how the right support and appropriate funding can help households make substantial improvements to their homes while also benefiting from renewable energy.

His experience is a great example of what can be achieved when residents are connected with practical energy advice and the organisations that can help turn that advice into action.

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Solar Energy

Generating clean renewable electricity directly from the roof can reduce the amount of electricity a household needs to buy from the grid.

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Battery Storage

Battery storage can keep surplus solar electricity available for use later in the day when the household needs it.

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A Warmer Home

Loft and cavity wall insulation help retain heat, improving comfort and reducing unnecessary energy loss.

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Lower Carbon

Combining energy efficiency with renewable generation can reduce household reliance on grid energy and lower carbon emissions.

Watch his story

Hear directly from a Tendring resident about his experience of improving his home with insulation, solar panels and battery storage. The improvements, delivered by Happy Energy, show the practical difference that energy-efficiency measures and renewable technology can make to a home.

Connecting residents with the right support

The improvements featured in this resident’s story were delivered by Happy Energy. His experience shows the real-world benefits that energy-efficiency measures and renewable technologies can bring when households are able to access appropriate support.

At Tendring Community Energy, we want more local residents to understand the options that may be available to them. We provide independent community-based energy advice, help residents understand their energy use and bills, and can discuss opportunities for insulation, solar panels, battery storage and available funding.

Every home and household is different, but stories like this show why it is worth exploring what improvements may be possible.

Tendring Community Energy resident story artwork showing DWP and Housing Benefit paperwork marked resolved, with the TCE logo on a mug
“I honestly don’t know what I would have done without the help and support of Tendring Community Energy.”

I originally approached Tendring Community Energy because I needed some advice about my energy bills. What I didn’t expect was the amount of help and support I would receive with a completely different problem that had been causing me considerable stress and worry.

Following the sad loss of my brother, I received an inheritance which allowed me to purchase my own flat and become more financially independent. I did the right thing and informed the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the relevant housing departments about my change in circumstances, as I no longer needed to claim Housing Benefit and certain other benefits.

Unfortunately, something went wrong. Instead of simply updating my circumstances, the DWP decided that I had been overpaid benefits in the past and demanded that I repay more than £3,000.

I was extremely worried. I had been honest about my circumstances and couldn’t understand why I was suddenly being asked to repay such a large amount of money. Trying to get answers from the different departments was confusing, frustrating and stressful, and I really didn’t know where to turn.

Thankfully, the wonderful people at Tendring Community Energy stepped in to help.

They took the time to listen, understand my situation and guide me through the complicated process of dealing with the DWP and housing departments. They helped me understand what was happening, who I needed to contact and how to challenge the decision.

With their patience, knowledge and continued support, the matter was eventually resolved and the demand to repay over £3,000 was withdrawn.

The relief was enormous. It felt as though a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders.

What impressed me most was that I had originally gone to Tendring Community Energy for help with my energy bills, yet they were willing to go above and beyond to help me with something that was having such a serious impact on my life.

They treated me with kindness, respect and understanding throughout. I never felt rushed or that I was being a nuisance.

I genuinely believe that without their guidance and support, I would never have been able to resolve this situation on my own.

I cannot thank the team at Tendring Community Energy enough. They don’t just help people with energy bills; they genuinely care about the people who walk through their door.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Tendring Community Energy to anyone who needs help, advice or simply someone willing to listen. They really do make a difference to people’s lives.

— A grateful Tendring resident

Could your home benefit too?

If you live in Tendring and would like to understand your energy bills, improve the efficiency of your home or find out whether support may be available for insulation, solar panels or battery storage, speak to Tendring Community Energy.

Talk to Tendring Community Energy Explore Energy Saving Advice
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