National fuel poverty scheme planned for Scotland

Deputy First Minister in Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon has announced a campaign to create a fund to assist consumers to reduce their winter energy bills. The Government has called for contract bids worth up to £224 million over 7 years to aid the new national fuel poverty scheme from 2015.

The scheme is intended to promote energy efficiency measures such as insulation and heating systems to make warmer and more energy efficient homes. In addition the campaign, “Home Energy Scotland” offers free and impartial service to offer advice to consumers on how to reduce their winter fuel bills.

The Deputy First Minister said: “It takes just one phone call to the Home Energy Scotland hotline to see if you can save money on winter fuel bills, and I would encourage people to call the hotline on 0808 808 2282, or visit the HES website. Anyone can get energy efficiency advice and find out what’s available to them, and many others can also qualify for energy saving improvements such as insulation, boilers or central heating for free.” “Rising energy bills remain a huge concern for the Scottish Government and fuel poverty is still a major issue in Scotland, with over 27 per cent of households affected. It is a scandal that there should be any fuel poverty in an energy-rich country like Scotland, and that is why I am delighted to announce a contract worth up to £224 million over seven years for the delivery of a new national fuel poverty scheme from 2015.” “This will build on the success of the Energy Assistance Scheme, which has provided over 46,000 vulnerable households with heating and/or insulation measures over the past five years. This long term contract will help thousands more households over the next few years, and is testament to our commitment to helping Scots escape fuel poverty.”