Event Showcases HiS Support for Retrofit Tenants

Homes in Somerset representatives were invited along to a Housing Asset Management Maintenance and Repair (HAMMAR) technical briefing conference held at the iconic Eden Project in Cornwall on Monday, as guests of Rand Associates, who have been delivering retrofit energy advice and aftercare to our tenants.

Retrofit Coordinator James Nagle and Communications Officer Laura Briggs attended the event where Rand’s Head of Net Zero Rory Henderson gave an introduction, handing over to Energy Advisor Patrick Diskin Barr, who spoke about the low levels of energy literacy in many tenants, and how to support them after they’ve received retrofit works.

Patrick has been instrumental in helping HiS tenants reduce their bills thanks to his insight and advice, in some cases cutting customers’ bills by half.

The conference also heard from speakers across the industry, exploring the challenges of future housing in light of the recent heatwaves, the cost of fossil fuels, and policy around Awaab’s Law.

James Nagle said: “Rand have helped bridge the gap between energy companies and retrofit works, to give them the tools to reduce their energy bills and better understand the new technologies they are supplied with. All this is part of our work to help customers out of fuel poverty, while improving energy efficiency in line with Government targets.”

As part of Homes in Somerset’ commitment to retrofit works, between April 2025 and March 2026, we installed:

• 1,372 solar panels on 160 properties
• 67 homes with cavity wall insulation
• 47 homes with low carbon heating
• 107 homes with increased level of loft insulation

This includes the flagship works at Dunwear House in Bridgwater, with schemes at Walter Barnett and Hilda Coles to follow.

For more information and energy advice – see our Energy Saving page.