Scotland
UK
Ireland
London
A hotline to help households winter-proof homes will be operating an extended hours service while the country remains in the grip of the biggest snow fall for over 40 years.
An army of energy doctors have been delivering advice on how to keep homes warm, avoid frozen pipes and lower fuel bills to 1,500 callers a day since weather conditions deteriorated.
The Scottish Government’s Home Energy Hotline is now open weekdays from 8am until 8pm and on Saturday between 9am and 5pm.
As well as getting practical advice, households can find out if they qualify for free or discounted insulation, more efficient heating, draught-proofing devices, cheaper fuel prices from existing suppliers and help to claim full pension and tax credit support.
Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said (audio clip available for local radio at www.scotland.gov.uk/downloads): “We want to ensure people are getting absolutely the best help and advice to keep their homes warm without paying a fortune.
“That’s why the Home Energy Hotline is in place and we’ve made the decision to open it evenings and weekends so everyone can get help at a convenient time.
“Our army of home energy experts have been doing an extraordinary job delivering practical advice and arranging help for over 1,500 households a day.
“And many people who are worried about meeting their fuel bills are getting changed to cheaper energy tariffs, in time for the next bill. We don’t know how long this will go on for so it’s important that households snow-proof their homes now.”
Chair of Consumer Focus Scotland Douglas Sinclair said: “As the big freeze continues and energy prices rise, consumers, especially those struggling to heat their homes, should use the hotline to get help and advice on keeping warm and saving money this winter.
“It's also an ideal time to check they are getting the best energy deal. An average saving of around £100 a year can be made by switching energy supplier, while many can save with their existing supplier just by changing tariff or paying by direct debit.”
(GK/KMcA)
