A consultant for an energy grant company in Bury says many residents are not taking advantage of available help amid the soaring cost of living.

Zishan Ellahi, 42, is one of a team of consultants who work for UK Energy Grants, a small company providing advice to residents on how to decrease their energy bills.

The team works with energy companies and installers to carry out assessments and advise homeowners on the kind of grants they could be eligible for, including for new boilers or insulation.

Zishan says that many households are not aware that even small changes can help reduce their energy bills.

He said: “One family we spoke to, they have a full kettle all the time, so the advice is, just measure one cup or just a little more than one cup, boil it and have it if there’s only one person having tea or coffee.

“Turning the thermostat down by one degree in the winter [can also help] a lot of people have it on full whack.”

The consultant says that since the cost of living has increased dramatically over the last few months, says inbound enquiries for help have gone “through the roof.”

According to Zishan, it will not just be those on lower incomes struggling over the winter, but previously well-off households as well.

Zishan added: “We live in a four-bedroom semi-detached house, my bills were, on average about £120 a month combined for gas and electric, we’re now at £249 a month. 

“I came across a family about two days ago in a similar house, they’re paying £460 a month and they don’t need to, there’s deals out there.”

The aim of UK Energy Grants is to help people make sense of the help that is available, something that many people can find overwhelming.

He said: “There’s lots of information but people don’t believe it’s real, and it’s not their fault, because there’s so many scammers out there.”

So far, the company, which has been recognised as highly commended by the Energy Efficency Association, has mainly relied on word of mouth to get their message across but would like to let more people know about the money they could be saving.

Those claiming certain benefits can qualify for grants towards solar panels and wall insulation but many don’t know how to begin their claim.

He said: “Its mentality and knowledge that prevents people from claiming, and there’s millions of pounds not being used.”