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.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
