Community / Folk reminded to apply for energy discount
PEOPLE who have trouble paying their fuel bills are being urged to claim a discount that could save them £140 a year.
The call comes after research published by Citizens Advice Scotland found that too many people who are eligible for the warm homes discount (WHD) are not receiving it.
An estimated 29 to 32 per cent of Scottish households are eligible for the discount, but only 9.3 per cent currently claim it.
There are two ways to qualify for the warm home discount scheme.
People eligible if they get the guarantee credit element of pension credit, or if you are on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme.
The publication of the research comes as several suppliers open up applications to the scheme, including E.ON, npower, Scottish Power, Utility Warehouse and Utilita.
Isa Kristiansen-Bragg, the community engagement officer for Citizens Advice Bureau project Warmer Greener Homes for Shetland, said:
“We see so many cases of people on low incomes who are unable to pay their fuel bills. We want everyone to know about this support, which is so easy to claim.
“It is frustrating to know that so many households in Shetland are suffering, in some cases turning their heating off in the cold, when this money is there for them but they just don’t know about it.
“Here at CAB we can advise you on whether you might be eligible for WHD, and then help you claim it. We can also advise you on other support you might be entitled to and advice is always free, impartial and confidential.”
People can contact Warmer Greener Homes for Shetland at warmerhomes@shetland.org, 01595 694696 or on Facebook at warmerhomesshetland
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