Free advice on how to cut bills and carbon emissions

THE CITIZENS Advice Bureau has launched a scheme intended to cut household energy bills, carbon emissions and make homes warmer.

 Folk are being invited to sign up for a free home visit by a qualified energy adviser under Shetland CAB’s new Warmer Homes Shetland initiative.

The advisor will look at how they use energy and offer advice on ways to make savings. Advice will be tailored to each individual home and might range from support to access grants for insulation measures and draught-proofing to optimising the use of appliances.

The team can also help explore the various options and financial support available if people are considering renewable energy devices.

CAB Shetland manager Karen Eunson said: “There is a high level of demand for energy advice and this funding builds on our existing successful service. It will enable us to carry out more outreach and more home visits so we can help more people”.

Warmer Homes Shetland is supported by a grant of £108,401 from the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund. Savings that households make on their energy bill can also help to reduce their carbon footprint and the team aims to achieve a carbon reduction of 108 tonnes by the end of the project.

CAB Shetland communtiy engagement officer Isa Kristiansen-Bragg said: “Shetland has a harsh climate and is vulnerable to rising energy costs. This has led to a Shetland-wide fuel poverty level of 53 per cent, rising to 64 per cent in the North Isles and 81 per cent among those on benefits.

“With the biggest problem facing many householders being how to heat their home, we’re also offering advice on energy tariffs and payment methods, along with guidance on benefits and debts. Together with an energy assessment, this advice can help maximise people’s income and allow them to heat their home.”

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A social media campaign is to be launched publicising the scheme and featuring Ertie the Trow, one of David Sjoberg’s Ill Trickit Trow creations.

It will offer advice on how households can save money on their fuel bills and make their homes warmer.

The Climate Challenge Fund is managed by Keep Scotland Beautiful manage on behalf of the Scottish Government.

Operations director Pete Leonard said: “We encourage the local community to take advantage of the free support available through the Warmer Homes Shetland project as using energy more efficiently in the home helps to tackle climate change by reducing carbon emissions.

“We look forward to supporting Shetland Islands Citizens Advice Bureau as they implement their project and empowering many more communities to take action on climate change.”

To sign up for a free home visit, contact Shetland Islands Citizens Advice Bureau by emailing warmerhomes@shetland.org calling 01595 694696 or on Facebook @warmerhomesshetland