East Ayrshire Citizens Advice Bureau is encouraging residents to seek energy advice as part of Big Energy Saving Month 2021 following a rising number of homes living in extreme fuel poverty.
The nationwide campaign comes after new research from YouGov for Citizens Advice Scotland revealed that 14 per cent of people who have run out of money before payday have missed an energy payment. Figures released by the Scottish Government also show that one in four households in Scotland find themselves in fuel poverty, with predictions estimating that figures could rise further by at least 29 per cent due to COVID-19.
Sarah Hammond, East Ayrshire CAB manager, said: “Our bureau helps thousands of people every year, and we put money back into people’s pockets. We’d encourage people who are struggling with the cost of their energy or having issues with their supplier to get in touch for free, impartial and confidential advice and support.”
“We are having a video chat alongside Home Energy Scotland on zoom on the 29th of January 2021 at noon and would encourage people to go to our Facebook page to get more information if they would like to join and ask the advisers about how to save money on energy.”
It comes after Alan Brown MP also backed the Big Energy Savings Month campaign which commenced last week and runs for the whole of January.
Mr Brown said: “Recent figures released by the Scottish Government revealed one in four households in Scotland (over 600,000 households) find themselves in fuel poverty and official estimates suggest this could rise to 29 per cent of households as a result of the pandemic.
"With this in mind, Big Energy Saving Month is looking to raise public awareness of the simple changes people can make to help them save this winter.
“I would encourage my constituents to visit Citizens Advice Bureau’s website and social media channels or contact Energy Advisor Linda Corbett directly for more information on how to get involved.”
For more information on Big Energy Savings Week, click here or visit the East Ayrshire Citizens Advice website by clicking here
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here