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With energy regularly making the headlines, Energy Action Scotland is working as hard as ever to bring an end to fuel poverty, as it marks its 25th anniversary this year.
Founded in 1983, EAS has been working over the past 25 years to turn cold, damp and expensive to heat houses into warm, dry, affordable homes, and to bring an end to fuel poverty in Scotland. An event is being held today in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall to mark the anniversary.
Norman Kerr, Director, EAS, said: "In 1983 the existence of fuel poverty was not even recognised and we started by organising small, community projects to fit insulation into people's homes. Progress over the 25 years has been remarkable and today fuel poverty is high on the political agenda, there is a plethora of initiatives, and a statutory target to eradicate fuel poverty by 2016.
"But our work is far from over. We must continue to be determined and resourceful in working with others in all sectors to create solutions to fuel poverty."
Addressing guests at the 25th anniversary event, Stewart Maxwell, Minister for Communities and Sport said: "I am grateful for the valuable contribution made by Energy Action Scotland over the last 25 years towards reducing the blight of fuel poverty. The Scottish Government is proud to work with EAS towards our shared goal to ensure that Scotland's homes are warm, comfortable and affordable to heat.
"EAS plays a key part on the Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum which we recently re-established. The Forum is working to advise Scottish Ministers on the future of our fuel poverty programmes and I look forward to receiving their recommendations in the autumn."
Nick Horler, Chief Executive, ScottishPower, the main sponsor of the event, added: "ScottishPower is proud of its strong and long lasting association with EAS and is delighted to support today's event which recognises the achievements the charity has made over the last 25 years in the fuel poverty debate. We look forward to continuing to work with EAS and others in finding sustainable solutions to ending fuel poverty."
(GK/JM)
