TODAY marks the start of a week-long action aimed at saving Scots money on their energy bills.
Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) says its Big Energy Saving Week helped save the public £1.3 million last year.
Those who sought assistance reduced their outgoings by more than £230 on average, the charity says.
This year it will hold outreach events at supermarkets, community hubs and town halls in a bid to reach more people.
High power costs are a major factor in fuel poverty, which affects an estimated 25% of households.
Most of those affected are understood to be older people, but the issue can hit anyone and is linked to poor mental and physical health.
This year’s push will target four “key groups”, including users of electric heating, those in debt to fuel suppliers, people with hard-to-heat homes and others who are considered “digitally excluded” and cannot take advantage of online-only deals and services.
Dr Jamie Stewart of CAS said: “Lots of people across Scotland are struggling with high bills, difficult suppliers and other barriers which stop them saving money on their energy. People who are in debt to their fuel supplier are frequently blocked from switching to a cheaper tariff, a vicious circle which just makes their circumstances worse and worse.
“Similarly, those living in homes which are hard to heat and potentially difficult or costly to upgrade end up spending more to properly keep their homes at a comfortable temperature.
“Digital exclusion is yet another barrier to saving money on energy bills as it can be hard for people who are not digitally confident or have poor internet access to engage with energy suppliers who only communicate or take payment online.
“And we’re very aware that those with some forms of electric heating can face huge challenges with their energy bills. Over half of electric heating users in Scotland are in fuel poverty but for many there is a limited number of energy suppliers who can provide a competitively-priced tariff.”
He went on: “By visiting your local Citizens Advice Bureau you’ll be able to get free, confidential and impartial advice to help you make changes to your energy use which could lead to significant savings.”
Funded by the UK and Scottish Governments, Big Energy Saving Week is delivered in partnership with Home Energy Scotland. Spokesperson Mike Thornton said he aims to reach “as many people as possible”.
On Saturday this newspaper revealed how readers have raised more than £2000 to fight fuel poverty by signing up to an ethical energy deal offered by The National and Clydebank’s Together Energy.
As much as £60 will go to that cause for every new sign-up to the Together Energy Green Brexit Protect 25 Month deal during the first month, with a percentage of proceeds donated each month for the length of each contract.
Editor Callum Baird thanked those who have joined in.
To sign up or for more information, visit www.bit.ly/national500
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