We list online resources to guide you to help and support with energy bills
The cost of living crisis is making our day-to-day living incredibly stressful: many are facing insecure futures and are having to make difficult decisions with their budgets - choosing whether to heat or eat is now a reality for many people.
There are online resources and information from organisations across Inverclyde and Scotland that can offer you advice or practical support with paying fuel bills.
Home Heating Support Fund
Advice Direct Scotland has launched a £3 million support fund to help Scots struggling with their energy bills. The Scottish Government funded scheme is designed to help prevent households falling into fuel poverty.
Individuals can contact Advice Direct Scotland for free on 0808 800 9060 or visit their website, and trained advisers can assess their eligibility and refer them if appropriate.
The Home Heating Support Fund has been extended until 31 March 2023, or until funds are exhausted.
Inverclyde HSCP - Advice First
Advice First can provide you with free, confidential, impartial and expert advice including budgeting, debt, benefits; they can also advise on employment rights and legal advice relating to housing.
➡ https://inverclydelife.com/services/advice-first
Fuelbank Foundation
The organisation have already helped over half a million people in fuel crisis. They give emergency financial support to households identified as being in fuel crisis and are also working hard to actively raise awareness in the press and lobbying politicians and regulators. They have 350+ fuel bank centres across the UK.
➡ https://www.fuelbankfoundation.org/individuals/
i.HEAT
The Inverclyde Home Energy Advice Team is committed to helping Inverclyde residents with all aspects of home energy use.
As well as providing general advice, i.HEAT can also provide a more in-depth, tailored energy advocacy service. The team can help you get the best out of your heating system, help you read our meter effectively and help you get a better deal from your current supplier, or switch if necessary. i.HEAT can also help agree on budget plans, ensuring that any outstanding balance is repaid, and act on your behalf with energy suppliers to resolve energy issues, regardless of how long it takes.
➡ Find out more here.
Citizen’s Advice Scotland
Links to available funding and what options you have if you’re struggling to pay your bills.
➡ https://moneymap.scot/energy/
➡ What to do if you’re struggling to pay energy bills: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/struggling-to-pay-your-energy-bills/
Ofgem
Ofgem and other partners have produced a detailed guide listing advice for domestic energy consumers based on commonly asked questions. Make sure you read the guide for Scotland.
➡ https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/energy-domestic-consumer-advice-autumnwinter-2022
Energy Action Scotland
Energy Action Scotland campaigns for an end to fuel poverty in Scotland and aims to develop and promote effective solutions to the problem of cold, damp and expensive to heat homes. Their website has an abundance of information and links to further help.
➡ https://www.eas.org.uk/en/for-households_50434/
Energy Saving Trust
Tips and advice for straightforward ways to save energy, lower your bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
➡ https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/hub/quick-tips-to-save-energy/
Smart Meters
Advice for anyone worried about energy bills and debt, energy saving tips and links to organisations that can offer further help.
Home Energy Scotland
Find out about what funding is available to help you with the cost of energy. Use their handy tool to search for what funding support is available – just put in your postcode.
➡ https://www.homeenergyscotland.org/find-funding-grants-and-loans/
Zero Waste Scotland
Lists ways to save money and help be more environmentally friendly. Zero Waste Scotland initiatives can help you save money on your expenditure when it comes to food, clothes and general household items.
➡ https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/content/save-money-0
Find more info and support on Inverclyde Life – links to organisations that can help with finance.
Author:
Chris Park
Publish Date:
Feb 4, 2022