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Currently included in this section:
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT SCHEMES
Energy Assistance Package
A new fuel poverty scheme was introduced by the Scottish Government in April 2009, replacing the previous Central Heating Programme and Warm Deal schemes.
The Energy Assistance Package is a holistic package of measures aimed at helping householders to maximise incomes, reduce fuel bills and improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The scheme is managed on behalf of the Scottish Government by the Energy Saving Trust.
There are four stages to the scheme:
- Stage one offers free expert energy advice to everyone.
- Stage two provides benefits and tax credit checks and advice on low cost energy tariffs to those at risk of fuel poverty.
- Stage three provides a package of standard insulation measures (cavity wall and loft insulation) to older households and those on one of a range of benefits.
- Stage four offers a package of central heating and enhanced energy efficiency measures to those who are most vulnerable to fuel poverty.
To apply for the Energy Assistance Package, phone your local Energy Saving Scotland Advice Centre on freephone 0800 512 012. Details are also available on the Energy Saving Trust website here .
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Energy Saving Scotland Home Loans
The Energy Saving Scotland home loans scheme is managed by the Energy Saving Trust in Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Interest free loans of between £500 and £10,000 are available. Applicants can pay back the loan in monthly instalments over a maximum of eight years.
Loans can be combined with grants such as the Energy Saving Scotland home renewables grants and funding from fuel suppliers under the Carbon Emission Reduction Target.
The loans are available to:
- Install cavity wall or solid wall insulation and/or loft insulation;
- Install renewable energy systems, such as wind turbines, solar water heating, heat pumps, small scale hydroelectric schemes and wood fuel heating systems;
- Replace old, inefficient boilers.
The energy efficiency or renewable measure funded by the loan must be recommended in one of the following documents:
If you are interested in applying for an interest free home loan, contact your local Energy Saving Scotland advice centre on 0800 512 012 or visit the following web page for more information: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/Scotland-Welcome-page/At-Home/Grants-and-offers/Energy-Saving-Scotland-home-loans . The advice centre will also be able to tell you if there are any grants available.
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FUEL COMPANY SCHEMES:
Carbon Emissions Reduction Target
Under the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) electricity and gas suppliers are required to meet carbon saving targets by providing energy saving measures and advice to households across Britain. At least 40% of these energy savings must be focused on a priority group of low-income consumers in receipt of certain benefits and tax credits/pension credit.
The money is used to fund various energy efficiency schemes. Some schemes run across the country, whilst others are run locally. Some are run directly by the fuel companies, whilst others are carried out in partnership with local councils, housing associations and other relevant agencies.
Most of the schemes offer reduced home insulation, usually at a 50% discount, and some may offer interest free repayment packages as well. Those householders aged over 70 and in receipt of certain benefits may be eligible for free insulation measures.
For more information about CERT schemes and for general energy saving advice, you can contact your energy supplier directly. Details of your energy supplier's energy efficiency helpline may be on the back of your bill or on the supplier's website (the main contact numbers are listed below).
However you do not have to be with a particular energy company to be eligible for their CERT scheme, so you could also contact your local Energy Saving Scotland Advice Centre for information on CERT schemes running in your area (for the phone number see 'further information' section below).
For more information about CERT visit the following page of the Energy Saving Trust website: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/Scotland-Welcome-page/Business-and-Public-Sector-in-Scotland/Local-Authorities/Carbon-Emissions-Reduction-Target-funding
CONTACT NUMBERS (ENERGY EFFICIENCY ADVICE)
For more information about CERT and / or for general energy efficiency advice, contact your fuel supplier.
The energy efficiency advice line contact numbers and energy efficiency advice web pages for the following energy suppliers are as follows:
Scottish Gas 0800 072 8629
http://www.britishgas.co.uk/energy-efficiency.html
EDF Energy 0800 096 9966
http://www.edfenergy.com/products-services/for-your-home/energy-saving-advice/index.shtml
E.ON 0500 201 000
http://www.eonenergy.com/At-Home/Going-Green/Energy-Saving-Advice/?WT.svl=4
npower 0800 022220
http://www.npower.com/web/At_home/juice-clean_and_green/Energy_savings/index.htm
ScottishPower 0800 332233
http://www.scottishpower.co.uk/Home_Energy/Energy_Efficiency/
Scottish Hydro Electric 0800 072 7201
http://www.hydroenergytips.co.uk/
http://www.hydro.co.uk/Help/ForYourHome/EnergyEfficiency.aspx
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FURTHER INFORMATION
Energy Saving Scotland Advice Centre 0800 512 012
Your local Energy Saving Scotland Advice Centre (ESSac) provides free, impartial advice on saving energy in the home and any grants / schemes available in your area to help with insulating your home. Call the freephone number above to be automatically routed to your local ESSac office.
Home Heat Helpline 0800 33 66 99
www.homeheathelpline.org
The Home Heat Helpline was set up by the Energy Retail Association on behalf of suppliers to help gas and electricity customers who are having difficulty heating their homes or paying their bills. No matter who your supplier is, call the Home Heat Helpline at the freephone number above for help and advice on identifying energy efficiency grants, arranging alternative payment methods, a benefit health check and other specialist advice.
Consumer Direct 08454 040506
www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
Government helpline providing information and advice on energy supply complaints for domestic customers. Phone Consumer Direct at the number above if you are having a problem with your supplier, and for information on how to take forward a complaint.
PayPoint
If you pay your fuel bills using PayPoint and want to find your nearest place to make a payment, then you can use the PayPoint store locator on their website or by visiting: http://www.paypoint.co.uk/locator
Payzone
If you use Payzone to pay for your fuel bills, or wish to find out more information about this service visit http://www.payzone.co.uk/. To find your nearest Payzone outlet you can use the search facility on their website at: http://search.payzone.co.uk/
Fuel Poverty and Local Government
Advice for Elected Members and their constituents is available in a leaflet produced by Energy Action Scotland. It provides background information about fuel poverty and the main sources of help available. To download / view the leaflet click here
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Page last updated: 23 February 2010 |
