WITH experts predicting an energy price burst in the near future, there has never been a better time to investigate ways of cutting your household bills.

While many may be tempted to shop around for the best deal, a push is being made to get more people in Notts to consider setting up their own energy supply to meet their needs.

The Energy Saving Trust is offering residents the chance to start planning for the long-term and investigate what renewable energy technology is available for their homes, and which suits them best.

West Bridgford resident Jake Jackson is one of the first to have his home assessed by the trust's renewable energy advisors.

Mr Jackson, 59, who has lived in Villiers Road for 22 years, said he had been looking into renewable energy options for 18 months.

"I think this house is as good as any down our street because of what I've done so far," he said.

"We've got double glazing, bulk insulation, and some additional cladding on the walls. I've also got an energy efficient boiler."

The experts assessed Mr Jackson's home, spending an hour gathering background information on current heating bills, and carrying out an inspection of the property.

As a member of environmental group Transition West Bridgford, going green is high on Mr Jackson's agenda.

He had already topped up his loft insulation to the recommended 10.5 inches thickness, and taken measures to better insulate cold walls.

After inspecting the house, advisors then ran him through the options.

They included fitting wood fuel heating in the place of a gas boiler, and installing a wind turbine or solar panels on the property's roof.

It was decided that using solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to create electricity to power the home would be the best option.

Energy created would be used to power the home, with the option of selling any surplus into the National Grid. It would cost around £10,000, but Mr Jackson could apply for up to £2,500 in Government cash to help pay for it.

It was also estimated that the rest of the money could be recouped in around 10 years if a Government proposal to pay people for the renewable energy they produce becomes reality next year.

Mr Jackson said: "It's a balance between wanting to do the right thing in making a contribution in reducing carbon emissions, which I see as a civic duty in some senses, and obviously not putting ourselves seriously out of pocket.

"Ten years is still a fairly lengthy time, but if it reduces my bills comparatively as electricity prices increase in the years to come then it's something I would consider."

He added: "We cannot go on living in the same fashion, so if we can all make a contribution and it will not seriously dent incomes then it's worth looking into."

After overseeing the inspection, Daniel Smith, marketing manager at the Energy Saving Trust, said: "Mr Jackson has already done the basic necessities and is ready to take the next step. A lot more people are thinking about going down the renewable energy route. We are there to help facilitate that."

Call the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012 or visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk.

bryan.henesey@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk