A COST-cutting Gwynedd energy warden has been awarded for helping householders save thousands of pounds on their fuel bills.

Sandra Kargin, who just over two years ago was unemployed and admits being in ‘a bad place’ before she was taken on by Grwp Cynefin housing association, to give energy saving advice to those on benefits across Gwynedd.

And now her dedication has earned her a Heat Heroes award from the National Energy Action charity.

Sandra, from Caernarfon, said: “I cried when I received the e-mail, saying I had won. Then I took the team out for a meal.”

While it is her work that has earned her the national award, Sandra is also keen to highlight the personal impact of her job with Grwp Cynefin.

“It has really increased my self-confidence. I feel 10 years younger and have even lost weight.”

Sandra has also achieved qualifications since joining Grwp Cynefin, including a City & Guilds in energy efficiency and energy awareness, plus a GCSE in Welsh.

Sandra, who has a daughter, a son and a four-year-old grandson, is passionate about helping people cut their energy bills and, in particular, making them aware of the government’s Warm Home Discount scheme which means that householders on benefits are entitled to a one-off £140 reductions in electricity bills between October and April. In 2016 alone, Sandra and her team have helped 380 people claim £53,200 savings on the scheme.

She also helps householders cut their bills in a variety of other areas.

See the full story in this week’s Meirionnydd and Arfon/Dwyfor editions of the Cambrian News