Community / Local CAB receives grant for energy bill advice
THE SHETLAND Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has been awarded just over £93,000 in funding which will go towards providing households with advice around energy bills.
The funding is coming from the Energy Redress Scheme, which is a pot paid into by the UK’s largest energy companies when they breach rules set by regulator Ofgem.
The new funding will see households on the isles receive one-to-one support to understand energy bills, switch tariffs, liaise with energy providers and tackle fuel debt.
Advice will also be available on applying for benefits, which in turn may grant funding for insulation and new heating systems.
The local CAB said that with more people working from home, domestic energy use is rising.
Energy price comparison site Uswitch estimates households working from home will use 25 per cent more electricity and 17 per cent more gas per day. This could add up to a yearly increase of £195 for customers on standard variable tariffs.
Shetland bureau manager Karen Eunson said: “Fuel bills in Shetland were already high due to the harsh climate, old housing stock and increased cost of fuel here.
“We are seeing energy bills rise even higher now, as a result of people spending more time at home.
“Our energy adviser will tailor advice to each individual and their home, finding ways to lighten the load of their fuel bills”.
While Covid restrictions remain in place, the project is offering confidential advice by phone or by Zoom, with the first appointments available next week:
- Tuesday 24 Nov 11am-3pm
- Wednesday 25 Nov 3pm-7pm
- Thursday 26 Nov 11am-3pm
Appointments can be requested on warmerhomes@shetland.org or 01595 694696.
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