Don’t let bills leave you out in the cold

A one-stop shop for advice and support, the Home Energy Scotland Hotline is there to help Scots keep warm this winter and beyond.

Just by calling the free number, people can join over 230,000 Scots who have already benefited from expert energy advice, get help to cut their energy bills and improve the warmth of their home. Friendly advisors can provide details of free offers, discounts and other support available whether you are renting or a homeowner.

The Scottish Government has boosted investment and support to tackle fuel poverty and help Scots to have warmer, affordable and greener homes. This year, a further £7.5 million is being made available to help households across Scotland replace inefficient boilers. It was recently announced that a further £6 million is helping improve insulation to make homes warmer and more efficient – all part of action to increase energy efficiency and tackle fuel poverty in 2012/13.

Everyone can get help of some kind. As well as receiving money-saving energy advice, households may be eligible to receive £400 towards the cost of replacing their old, inefficient boiler with a new model, which could also cut up to £300 off their annual fuel bills. Many will be in line for free loft and cavity wall insulation, and some will even receive a full central heating system at no cost to them.

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities, Nicola Sturgeon, said: “Scotland is an energy rich nation and everyone should live in a safe, warm, 
affordable home.

“The Home Energy Scotland Hotline is a vital source of information for 
families across Scotland, providing 
comprehensive advice on energy saving to support those most in need.

“I would urge anyone who has not looked at loft or cavity wall insulation, or those looking to replace their old and inefficient boiler to contact the hotline as soon as possible to find out about the range of offers available to help them 
cut their household heating bills this winter.”

Mike Thornton, representing the Home Energy Scotland Hotline said: “By acting now, people throughout Scotland can benefit from free advice, insulation or central heating. The cold weather is definitely upon us and with energy costs rising, it’s important for everyone to do what they can to keep their energy bills down. Savings can even be made with simple energy-saving tips – one call to the hotline is all it takes.

“Our trained advisors are happy to take the time to discuss individual energy needs and offer the most appropriate advice. From simple money saving tips such as turning your thermostat dial down a degree for a saving of 10% off your annual heating bill to applying for a voucher for a new boiler or getting free insulation. The whole process is straightforward and we act quickly.

“Upgrading your boiler can save you as much as £300 and installing insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to waste less energy at home. Calling the hotline will give you peace of mind and that you won’t be left out in the cold.”

To find out exactly what you are eligible for – whatever your circumstances – call the Scottish Government’s Home Energy Scotland Hotline now on 0800 512 012 or go to www.homeenergy
scotland.org.uk. Act now to make your home warmer.