Dunfermline Residents Could Make Big Energy Savings

MSP Bill Walker is encouraging Dunfermline constituents to find out more about energy savings, as Citizens Advice Scotland launches Big Energy Saving Week.

The campaign, which runs from 22^nd to 27^th October, aims to help people be more confident and knowledgeable about finding the best energy deals.

Mr Walker said: “I was dismayed to learn from recent research by Citizens Advice that the parents of around six million children across the UK are anxious they won’t be able to pay the next energy bill. Similarly, figures from Age UK reveal that 30 per cent of people aged 65 and over avoid heating certain rooms for fear of the cost.

“Citizens Advice Scotland has confirmed that fuel poverty is more chronic in Scotland than in the rest of the UK, due to low wages, poor insulation, colder climate, and so on. Their figures reveal that the problem is only growing worse. Fuel poverty has risen by 28 per cent between 2009 and 2011. It now affects a staggering and unacceptable 40.3 per cent of all Scottish households.

“This is an appalling situation, but there are ways to reduce bills. By changing tariff, payment method or supplier, consumers could save around £100 to £200 annually. There are also various schemes for free loft and cavity wall insulation, which can cut bills by up to £160 when combined.

“Citizens Advice Scotland believe that most households could make savings from the advice offered during Big Energy Saving Week. Crucially, this includes the most disadvantaged customers.”

For more information on the support and savings available, go to www.bigenergysavingweek.org.uk. Alternatively, call the Home Energy Scotland hotline on 0800 512 012 (free from landlines) or 0300 456 2655 (local rate for mobiles).

Details of your local Citizens Advice Bureau can be found at www.cas.org.uk.