Around 140,000 households in Scotland have become more energy efficient since 2008, according to figures published today.

It also shows that the average saved by households is £24 per year on fuel bills.

Fifty-five per cent of households in Scotland now live in homes with an good energy rating based on all energy use in the house, which is up six per cent from 2008.

Based on the quality of the fabric of the building 66 per cent of households show a good energy rating in Scotland compared to 45 per cent in England.

CO2 emissions have reduced by 0.2 tonnes per year per home - the equivalent of lighting a home for six months.

However, more people are now living in fuel poverty because of higher energy prices, with fuel poverty rising from 26.5 per cent to 32.7 per cent of households.

42,000 more households go into fuel poverty every time fuel prices increase by five per cent.

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The cost of fuel rose by 19.5 per cent between July 2008 and July 2009.

Ahead of winter, a nationwide campaign is underway to promote the range of help being offered through the Scottish Government's Home Energy Hotline - 0800 512 012 - including free or discounted insulation, central heating systems, draught-proofing, help to switch to cheaper social tariffs and energy saving advice.

Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said:"Scotland is leading the way in helping households reduce the amount of fuel they need to buy.

"And another 140,000 hard-pressed households in Scotland have benefited from better insulated and energy fit homes, saving millions of pounds on fuel bills.

"However it is bitterly cold and we know many hard-pressed households are struggling with fuel bills. What is extremely worrying, is that soaring energy prices have led to an increase in the number of people spending more than 10 per cent of their income on fuel bills.

"It is within the gift of the UK government and Ofgem to ensure prices are fair and transparent - they must ensure they are doing that and that consumers are not being treated unfairly.

"In Scotland, we are committed to eradicating fuel poverty and we will continue to help households shield themselves from high energy prices with the wide range of free help and support."

Home Energy Scotland is the one stop shop from the Scottish Government, offering information on all Scottish Government home energy initiatives and help and expert advice on how to save energy and money in the home. The Home Energy Hotline is 0800 512 012.

(GK/KMcA)

(GK)