The South West Aberdeenshire Citizens Advice Bureau has secured two years of funding for a part-time fuel and energy adviser. The post is being funded by Citizens Advice Scotland in partnership with Scottish and Southern Energy. The adviser will help clients switch energy supplier, identify ways to save energy and make homes more energy efficient, address individual fuel debt and help with consumer problems related to billing or arising from the installation of renewable energy equipment. Fuel and energy adviser John Andrea said “Fuel poverty is on the rise in rural Aberdeenshire. Annual energy bills now aerage £1,300 – about £50 more than last year – but despite these figures 62% of the population have yet to switch to a better energy deal.

“Additionally 45% feel they would not save much money by changing supplier. We can show how much people could save if they were to switch. We believe no one should miss out because they do not have easy access to the internet. We are here to help by reducing expenditure on energy and maximising income”.

Appointments with the energy adviser, for Aberdeenshire residents only, can be made at the Citizens Advice Bureau in Westhill and at the rural outreaches at Banchory, Alford and Aboyne by calling 01224 747714.