The next Ilford Energy Cafe will be on:
Saturday 10 January 2026 from 2pm to 3.45pm at the Redbridge Central Library
on the Ground Floor beside the Repair Cafe.
Upcoming Energy Cafes:
Saturday 10 Jan
Saturday 24 Jan
Saturday 7 Feb
Saturday 21 Feb 2026
2.00-3.45pm
Thermal Camera

Borrow our Thermal Camera to reveal where your home is losing warmth.
Please note: Priority will be given to residents in the Ilford area (IG1, IG2 and IG3 postcodes only)
Check our Energy-Saving tips here
Our Energy volunteers run regular Energy Cafes in Ilford. These offer an informal, friendly way to give energy saving advice to people struggling with fuel bills. People can talk about their issues and be offered information on:
- Saving energy and money by changing their fuel tariff or supplier
- Taking simple actions to make their home more energy efficient
- Financial help they may be eligible to get
The Energy Volunteers provide guidance and advice, supported by a trained Energy Advisor.
As well as a regular slot in the Library, the team of volunteers are keen to run Energy Cafes in venues all over Ilford, for example, at Food Banks, places of worship and community centres, in fact, anywhere people gather. If you would like to invite the cafe to your venue, then contact us by email: energycafe@transitionilford.org.uk
Interested in volunteering? Contact us
Read about us on Potentially blog
Feedback: ‘You’re very easy to talk to, made me aware of things I didn’t even think of. Very useful – it has helped me. Thank you for the lightbulb.’ Terry James, Sept 2025
Resources
EPC rating of your home
https://find-energy-certificate.service.gov.uk/find-a-certificate/type-of-property
Government energy advice:
http://www.gov.uk/browse/housing-local-services/household-energy
Home energy fact sheets
https://www.cse.org.uk/resource/home-energy-fact-sheets/
Citizens Advice
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/
Energy saving ideas from MoneySavingExpert
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/energy-saving-tips/
Energy switching
Money Saving Expert advice on switching:
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/stick–switch-or-fix-your-energy-tariff—what-are-the-options-/
U-switch: https://www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/
Energy Priority Register
https://www.energy-uk.org.uk/customers/vulnerable-customers/
Help with Energy Costs and Energy Debt
Better housing Better health https://www.bhbh.org.uk/
Redbridge Household support fund https://costofliving.redbridge.gov.uk/household-support-fund/
Winter fuel payment https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment
Warm Home Discount Scheme https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
https://charisgrants.com/individuals/
https://www.britishgas.co.uk/energy/british-gas-energy-trust.html
https://selce.org.uk/utility-bills-what-grants-and-other-support-is-available/
Water discounts/support
https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/account-and-billing/financial-support/waterhelp
https://www.eswater.co.uk/watersure
LEAP – help for those in fuel poverty
https://applyforleap.org.uk
General Debt
https://www.stepchange.org/
Broadband social tariffs
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/saving-money/social-tariffs
Grants for improving home insulation and energy efficiency
Redbridge Warmer Homes: Local Grant
https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/housing/home-improvement-grants/ (scroll down)
ECO4
https://ukenergysupport.co.uk/eco4-scheme/
Great British Insulation Scheme – no longer open
https://www.gov.uk/apply-great-british-insulation-scheme
Insulation installation problems – gov.uk
If problems with insulation installed through Government scheme
Government Boiler Upgrade Scheme
https://www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme
Solar Panel information
https://solarwizard.org.uk/
https://www.solarforschools.co.uk/
Heat Pump information
https://www.getaheatpump.org.uk/
Ofgem, the energy regulator
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/