A NORTH Wales based woman has won an award for her work in helping people manage their energy usage better.

Joanna Seymour has been crowned Energy Efficiency Champion of the Year, recognising her work on the Healthy Homes Healthy People project in Wrexham and Flintshire.

The award was presented at the Welsh Energy Efficiency awards in Cardiff on February 13. The aim of the awards is to provide public recognition for the work the energy efficiency sector is doing in implementing energy efficiency schemes and reducing fuel poverty, whilst also encouraging best practice within the sector.

Joanna Seymour is employed by Community Interest Company, Warm Wales, to manage the Healthy Home Healthy People (HHHP) project in North Wales.

HHHP takes a person-based approach to address need, the aim being to improve health and wellbeing by creating a home which is safe, sound, warm and secure for all. Working with partners including the local authorities, Wales & West Utilities and Dwr Cymru; Joanna and her team offer a wide range of help to residents struggling to heat their homes and pay their energy bills.

Residents accessing help through the HHHP project have so far saved over £150,000 on home improvements and reduced bills. These savings have come from measures such as new central heating systems through the Warm Homes Fund, switching energy tariffs, referrals for home improvements and help claiming benefits.

Director of Warm Wales, Jonathan Cosson said: “I have been really impressed with the work Joanna and her team have produced in such a short space of time, they demonstrate a passion for the work, and a real commitment to improve the lives of the residents they meet.

"Working with great partners such as Wales & West utilities has given the team the support they need to deliver substantial benefits to the residents we are supporting.”