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The Energy Saving Trust look at ways to reduce fuel poverty
Having a warm home and saving money is vital to a happier, healthier life. Fuel poverty has a serious health impact and can result in people making the difficult choice between heating their homes and paying for other essential items like rent or food.
Often, the people who need the most help find it difficult to access the support and benefits they’re entitled to. That’s where Home Energy Scotland can help. They work with more than 250 local and national organisations to help clients out of fuel poverty – and they’ve put together these useful tips for you to help the people you work with.
Quick wins
Simple changes add up to serious savings. Turning a thermostat down by just 1 degree could save the average household up to £80 a year. And using a bowl to wash up rather than a running hot tap could cut £25 off a gas bill.* Other changes like closing curtains at dusk and turning off lights when not using them really add up - and make for a warmer home.
Access the right funding
The Scottish Government – as well as local authorities and energy companies – offer lots of funding options. Energy Saving Trust’s Grants and Loans webpage features information about what’s available for your clients. Or, you can call Home Energy Scotland’s advisors on behalf of your client for free on 0808 808 2282.
Get switching
Switching energy supplier is simpler than many think, and potentially offers big savings. Despite this, this Money Saving Expert report suggests only one in five households bother.
Many energy companies offer cashback deals and other perks for switching. But, for truly impartial advice, see this easy to use tool from Citizens Advice Scotland.
Investigate the renewables revolution
Investing in renewable energy isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when trying to save clients money. But for some – like those not connected to a gas supply – it can really help.
Some renewable technologies can offer big savings. Take a look at Energy Saving Trust’sRenewables Selector toolto find out what could be suitable for your clients.
Community activity
Home Energy Scotland runs events and webinars to advise people on staying warm, installing renewable technology and much more. Find out more about events near you here.
And finally… help Home Energy Scotland to help your clients
Home Energy Scotland works with a huge range of third sector organisations to reach the people who could benefit most from their services.
Their partners benefit too - from easy referral routes to resources like leaflets and event support, as well as reciprocal referrals - Home Energy Scotland refer their clients to local and national partners for help too. Their partners benefit too - from easy referral routes to resources like leaflets and event support, as well as reciprocal referrals - Home Energy Scotland refer their clients to local and national partners for help too.
Everyone benefits, and becoming a partner is easy. Call their Stakeholder Relations Officer on 0131 555 9151 to find out more.
*Estimated savings are based on a gas heated three bedroomed semi-detached house, with an average gas tariff of 3.80p/kWh and electricity tariff of 14.33p/kWh. Thermostat savings are based on turning a room thermostat from 22 degrees to 21 degrees over a whole year within the main living area. Correct as of April 2018.
