Consultations on energy savings now also available in Russian

Johanna Großer is the new local coordinator of the Caritas energy-saving check in Jena. The appointment of a new coordinator has made it possible for the initiative, which is supported by Stadtwerke Jena, to further expand its commitment to people on low incomes. From now on, the free energy consultations in Jena and the surrounding districts will also be offered in Russian - for example for displaced people from Ukraine.

Für households with low income

The Caritas energy-saving check is aimed at low-income households: The consultations are intended for people who receive income support, social assistance, basic income support, housing benefit, child supplement, BAföG, a small pension or asylum seeker benefits, as well as for people whose income is below the maintenance allowance (1,410 euros for a 1-person household). Experience has shown that households receiving advice reduce their energy consumption by up to 20 percent each year, saving around 500 kilograms of carbon dioxide. In concrete terms, the savings in electricity and water costs per household and year amount to an average of 180 euros.

Those who make an appointment for the energy-saving check are visited by trained energy-saving helpers. These are former long-term unemployed people, people doing federal voluntary service or volunteers who have been trained as energy advisors and thus got back into work. The energy-saving helpers record energy consumption on site, evaluate the data and can contribute to immediate savings by installing free instant aids such as a water-saving shower head, LED lights or switchable socket strips. In addition, a voucher of up to 200 euros for the purchase of a new refrigerator will be issued to eligible households. In addition to tips on efficient electricity and water consumption, households will also receive heat-saving tips. 
 
Interested parties can make an appointment by phone on 03641 3482245 or by email ssc-j@caritas-bistum-erfurt.de.  

Picture (© Stadtwerke Jena, Tina Schnabel): Luisa Weigmann, project manager of the Caritas energy-saving check, welcomes Johanna Großer (right), who is now coordinating the energy-saving check in Jena.