Darryl Plummer, Programmes Director at Groundwork Five Counties

Our guest for this episode is Darryl Plummer, programmes director at Groundwork Five Counties. The charity works with local authorities and social housing providers across the East Midlands to help residents stay warm, healthy and safe in their homes through energy advice and support. Darryl discusses the growing pressures facing households as energy costs continue to rise and explains how many people are still being forced to choose between heating and other essential living costs. He shares insights from the charity's work visiting homes, supporting vulnerable residents and tackling issues such as fuel poverty, damp and mould. The conversation explores the charity's Green Doctor service, which provides free, tailored energy advice to households. Darryl explains how simple measures such as reviewing energy tariffs, improving heating controls, installing draught-proofing and switching to LED lighting can help residents reduce energy costs and improve comfort in their homes. He also highlights the importance of practical support for people facing energy debt and the wider health impacts of living in cold homes. In our Tomorrow's Energy series, we explore breakthrough technologies, emerging trends and practical solutions shaping tomorrow's energy systems. We'll hear from those at the forefront of the energy transition, ask about the challenges and discover how today's decisions are creating a more sustainable tomorrow for all of us. The podcast is produced by the team at Salix Finance.