Local man named as Heat Hero
Somerset resident Tony Watts, who chairs the South West Forum on Ageing, has been named a national Heat Hero by fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) for his contribution to tackling fuel poverty among older people.
The Heat Hero Awards, given out to a total of xx people at a ceremony in the House of Lords, recognises individuals across England and Wales who have gone “above and beyond” in helping people who are living in fuel poverty in their local community.
The Awards are supported by ScottishPower.
Tony is a journalist and writer by profession. Aged 61 and living in Cheddar, he has a national profile as a commentator and writer on later life issues, as well as working in a voluntary capacity to improve the quality of later life in the UK.
The former editor of Mature Times, he took over the chair of the South West Forum on Ageing (SWFoA) three years ago, and also plays a key role in the national Age Action Alliance (AAA). SWFoA represents older people in the region into Government, while the AAA brings together over 500 organisations to help improve the lives of older people.
Tony has now set up Senior Buying Power – a website and national helpline to help combat oil fuel poverty, in order to harness the buying power of seniors nationally and negotiate the very best rates for their energy.
Tony said: “I am thrilled to be chosen as a Heat Hero by NEA and ScottishPower. It’s still early days for Senior Buying Power, which I set up in response to the fact that seniors dependent on heating oil can often pay 50% more for their heating than those fortunate enough to have mains gas. But every person we can help could make a vital difference.
“We face a crisis of fuel poverty in this country, which plays a key role in the appalling excess winter deaths we see every year. More affordable energy is one step towards that, and another is encouraging every older person to take advantage of the free insulation available through organisations like ScottishPower and the NEA.”
Maria Wardrobe, Director of External Affairs, NEA said: “Our ‘heat heroes’ are vital to the lives of people in their communities. Many fuel poor households are isolated and vulnerable and difficult to reach, it is important that we give credit to people like Tony who are working tirelessly to help these people to stay warm and well in their homes.”
Neil Clitheroe, CEO, ScottishPower Retail and Generation said: “We are proud to be sponsoring the Heat Heroes Awards for a third year. The hard work and commitment shown by these dedicated individuals within communities is crucially important in helping to tackle fuel poverty.
“On behalf of ScottishPower I’d like to congratulate all the nominees and winners.”