Residents are to receive support to cut their energy bills after a housing association appointed an Energy Advisor.

Trafford Housing Trust (THT) appointed Kathryn Barningham as a response to the rapid rise in the cost of living.

In the role of Energy Advisor, Ms Barningham is to provide support in a range of areas, from energy efficiency to payment plans.

She said: "The new role as Energy Advisor is crucial in today’s current climate, and I am delighted to have been appointed. I hope to make a big difference to THT customers and I will do my absolute best to guide and support them.

"Understanding energy bills can be a minefield, so being able to help people to understand and give them guidance is something I am very passionate about.

"Knowing there is someone to help can take a lot of stress and pressure off people, and I plan to deliver a service for THT customers that they can depend on.

"So far I have been able to halve a customer’s electricity bills by re-setting his water heater, and to reduce another customer’s water bills by providing tariff advice, as well as liaising with providers to agree affordable payment plans."

In addition to the appointment, THT awarded £100,000 to Citizen's Advice in support of a two-year scheme to help hundreds who are affected by fuel poverty.

The award is to go towards guidance on accessing grants to improve energy efficiency in the home, as well as reducing fuel usage.

Aileen Edmunds, Head of Social Impact at THT, said: “The wellbeing and comfort of our customers is a top priority, and we know from speaking with them that many have concerns around increasing energy prices.

"Kathryn’s expertise can and is having a significant effect on reducing costs for many of our customers, and we would urge any of our customers with concerns to contact us as soon as they are able."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. Jack is the reporter for The Messenger and covers anything and everything from within the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford.

To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.