How are your energy levels? Here’s a post-referendum event to give you a boost!
New energy advice funding for Citizens Advice Bureau
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.
Sir Robert Smith backs Big Energy Saving Week
Sir Robert Smith, Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine today added his support for Big Energy Saving Week. The campaign from CAB Scotland is aiming to ensure that people are aware of how they can save money on energy bills and get help to insulate their homes as winter approaches.
Research has shown that fuel poverty is worse in Scotland than in many other areas of the UK. This is partly due to a combination of Scotland’s climate and the type of housing in Scotland but it is also due to a lack of awareness of the support that is available. The problem is made worse for many households in Aberdeenshire and Kincardine because they are off the gas grid and rely on heating oil or LPG to heat their homes.
Commenting on the campaign Sir Robert said:
“High energy prices are something that affects everyone in Aberdeenshire and Kincardine especially those who are off the gas grid. It is important that people receive all the advice they can get to help them reduce their bills and to get the support they are entitled to.
“There are a number of things that all households can do to make sure they are getting the best deal on their gas or electricity bills. I would recommend that everyone checks to see if they could save by switching supplier. Similarly there are many home insulation schemes that can make a big difference to bills at the end of the month.”
He added:
“There are a number of places to go for advice – both online and by telephone and I would urge anyone who hasn’t done so to use these resources. If anyone has any further questions they should contact me.”
Advice can be obtained at:
www.bigenergysavingweek.org.uk
For individual advice – you can visit your local CAB: www.cas.org.uk to find out when your nearest branch is open or call the Stonehaven branch on 01569 766 578 or the Westhill branch on 01224 747714
Call – the Home Energy Scotland Hotline: 0800 512 012 (FREE from Landlines) or 0300 456 2655 (LOCAL RATE from mobiles).
Energy Saving Surgeries to tour Aberdeenshire
Residents in Aberdeenshire will be able to benefit from energy saving tips offered by experts in a series of surgeries over the next few months.
The Energy Saving Scotland information sessions will offer advice on the best ways to stop wasting energy and money, and help fight climate change.
Specialists will be on hand to offer advice on energy saving measures for the home from simple tips for saving water and electricity, to detailed information on how to insulate every area of the home, reduce household waste and help source energy efficient applications for the home.
It is also a chance for residents to find out about any financial assistance that may be available to install insulation or new heating systems.
Sessions will be held at:
• Huntly Service Point (Gordon Street) June 25
• Stonehaven (Allardice Street) June 28
• Inverurie (Gordon House) August 20
• Fraserburgh (Mid Street) September 17
• Ellon (Neil Ross Square) September 18
• Peterhead (Arbuthnot House) September 28
All sessions will run from 10am until 1pm.
Energy Saving Scotland sessions are also planned for Banff, Inverbervie and Westhill. Dates for those events will be issued at a later date.
Anyone interested in going one step further and generating their own energy can also get advice from Energy Saving Scotland. Residents can organise free home visits to find out which renewable technologies are suited to their property and the best ways to get them installed.
Chair of the Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Peter Argyle, said: “As a local authority we are constantly striving to reduce the amount of energy we use in our office buildings and depots across Aberdeenshire. It is equally important for householders to learn how best to improve energy efficiency in their own homes.
“This is a great opportunity for local people to get free advice on how to save money and also tackle climate change.”
Free home insulation in Garioch
Residents who live in Garioch can get loft and cavity wall insulation installed for free under the Universal Home Insulation Scheme. The scheme will be rolled out in June. The initiative is being delivered by Aberdeenshire Council in conjuction with SCARF (Save Cash and Reduce Fuel) and the Scottish Government.
There are three ways to apply for the scheme:
Complete and return the home energy check (residents will get in the post)
Phone SCARF on 0844 8460551 to complete the home energy check over the phone
Complete the home energy check when the assessor visits your home.
For more information about the scheme contact Kathleen Allan on 01467 628458 or email kathleen.allan@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Parliament Talks – Energy
Aberdeenshire – Thursday 24 May
Where: Banchory West Parish Church of Scotland, High Street, Banchory, AB31 5TB
Time: 18:00 to 20:00
Chaired by: Sir Robert Smith MP
‘Parliament Talks…Energy’ is a series of free events and promotional activities highlighting Parliament’s role in debating and challenging Government policy on energy.
Each of the events in Southampton, Suffolk and Aberdeenshire, will bring together members of the public and parliamentarians to discuss how Parliament contributes to the debate on energy issues and scrutinises Government policy, particularly when it comes to consumer engagement with energy companies.
The events will be part of the inquiry by the House of Commons Select Committee on Energy and Climate Change into consumer engagement and will ask for the public’s views on their understanding of the energy industry.
How to attend
To find out more information or to register a place at the free Aberdeenshire event:
E-mail: parliamentaryoutreach@parliament.uk
Telephone: 020 7219 1650
Please include your name, the name of your organisation (if you will be representing one) your e-mail address and a contact telephone number.