SMALL businesses in East Hampshire worried about rising energy costs can now get independent free advice tailored to them from Energy Alton.

Energy Alton is extending the service it has been offering households for ten years. In partnership with Community Energy South, and funded by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Distribution for six months, trained Energy Alton volunteers can carry out free energy surveys at business premises.

They will look at how a building could be improved to reduce heat loss and suggest a range of solutions from draught proofing to insulation. The survey will also cover advice around heating systems, hot water appliances and lighting plus how ventilation could be upgraded to reduce the risk of damp and condensation.

It is followed up with a written report which details all the ways in which energy costs can be reduced plus information on installers and funding.

After a steep increase in its energy bills, Alton youth centre The Kings Arms asked Energy Alton for advice on heating the building more efficiently.

A volunteer surveyor identified several measures to reduce heat loss, including loft and internal wall insulation, secondary glazing, thermal curtains and replacing oil-filled radiators with programmable storage heaters.

Will Schofield, operations manager at The Kings Arms, is now getting quotes for much of the suggested work.

To arrange a free survey, email [email protected], call 07811 462659 or visit energyalton.org.uk