Beating the big freeze

Households across the Hebrides are being urged to act now to cut winter fuel bills as an Arctic blast hits Scotland.

With the Met office predicting that temperatures will plummet to -12C over the Christmas period, people are being encouraged to apply for help now.

The Scottish Government is offering a variety of free energy saving and draft-proofing devices to eligible young families, people on benefits and the elderly.

A £60 million scheme – the Energy Assistance Package – can supply loft and cavity wall insulation and central heating systems including boilers, radiators and ‘plug in’ air source heat pumps which generate cheaper heating and hot water for those not on the gas grid.

The scheme’s advice line - 0800 512 012 – also offers personalised energy saving information, advice on accessing all the benefits households are entitled to and how to access cheaper energy tariffs.

More homes are now eligible than ever before due to extensions to the scheme in December to include residential mobile homes and homes that already have some insulation.

Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said:

“These past few weeks everyone has been feeling the cold but no-one should feel they can’t keep themselves or their family warm.

“Unfortunately many people feel that they won’t be entitled to help, so they don’t ask.

“We need to send out a strong message, especially when it’s bitterly cold, that real help is available and encourage anyone who is struggling to meet high fuel costs to phone 0800 512 012.

“The sooner people call, the sooner they’ll know what help they’re entitled to.

“The help available through our 60 million pound scheme is second to none in helping to bring down fuel bills and we extended the eligibility criteria in December so that many more households can benefit.”

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