Shops in Midsomer Norton will get a visit from Metro Mayor Dan Norris’ team of cheaper energy bills experts who will be going door-to-door in the high street this week as well as holding two drop-in sessions on Wednesday 29th and Thursday, 30th November from 2-4pm at Zen Rebel Studios. The Energy Bill blitz from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is designed to help local shops reduce their energy bills for good. Many local firms have faced eye-watering energy price hikes with the cost of gas and electricity skyrocketing since 2021 while government’s support for non-household energy bills was scaled back in April 2023. Alarming stats from the Federation of Small Businesses suggest energy costs have hiked by over 420% for small firms since early 2021, while 96% of businesses are concerned about high bills. Local shops will be invited to apply for free grants of up to £15,000. This could be for anything from a more energy efficient fridge in a cafe to triple glazing windows at a barbers. They will be guided by experts with 25 years’ experience to offer practical advice, guidance and support on how to reduce energy bills. Other shops that have taken part in the Mayor’s Energy Bill blitz have saved up to £2,000-plus from their annual sky-high energy bills and slashed their carbon emissions. Encouraging shops to get involved, Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “Please do come along to find out about the free support on offer to help cut your energy bills for good. Midsomer Norton shops are facing a tough time during this cost-of-living-crisis. I’ve been concerned that historically only those ‘in the know’ got support from the West of England Combined Authority. I’m changing that which is why I’m delighted my team of cheaper energy bills experts will be going door-to-door in Midsomer Norton to explain what’s on offer and holding these drop-in sessions.” Shops can also contact John Booth in the Mayoral Combined Authority on [email protected] for further information on support to cut bills.