WIREDGOV

Householders were yesterday urged to consider how they can reduce their winter fuel bills with the help of a new advice service.

A £60 million Energy Assistance Package has been set up, offering advice on combating rising fuel bills and how to become more energy efficient.

The free service provides energy savings advice, tax and benefit entitlement help and advice on how to get cheaper energy tariffs.

It also offers eligible households, a range of energy efficiency measures including free loft or cavity wall insulations and grants for central heating systems.

Research shows that people who receive help from the Energy Assistance Package could save on average, per year:

• £860 after having new heating and insulation
• £180 after loft or cavity wall insulation
• £150 from cheaper tariffs

Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said:

"The Scottish Government wants to ensure that everyone can keep their home warm this winter.

"To do this, we've made £60 million available so households can get the help they need.

"We want anyone who is struggling with fuel bills to pick up the phone and call their local energy advisor.

"Everyone can get advice to make their homes more energy efficient and for eligible households there are a range of insulation measures which in most cases are free."

Mike Thornton, Director, Scotland for the Energy Saving Trust said:

"For many families, the onset of colder weather means higher fuel bills and tighter family budgets.

"If a home is energy inefficient, it costs more to heat and can impact on health and quality of life.

"The Energy Assistance Package is here to help and support everyone in Scotland who finds it hard to heat their home.

"People can get the help they need by calling our local advisors on 0800 512 012."

For further information about the Energy Assistance Package, visit www.energyassistancepackage.com

or telephone your local Energy Saving Scotland advice centre on free phone 0800 512 012