People invited to take part in research on energy costs and disability

PEOPLE in Shetland living with a disability, or their carers, are being asked to consider contributing to a new research project about the impact of energy costs.

It is part of Janna Smith’s post-graduate dissertation for the MSc energy, society and sustainability course at Edinburgh University.

It highlights how Shetland is “deeply connected to energy sources”, including peat, oil and wind, but experiences higher levels of fuel poverty.

The study will look at how “disabled people and their carers cope with this paradox”.

Smith, who has family in Shetland, said the experiences of high energy bills on people with needs such as driving to hospital, keeping a house heated or paying a carer, “are not heard enough in energy policy, hence why they are at the core of my research.”

People who wish to participate in the research must be aged 18 and over, and they must self-identify as having a long-term health condition or disability. A formal diagnosis is not required.

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They should also have experience of fuel poverty. Additionally, carers for the person fitting the criteria can also participate.

It would involve one 30 to 60 minute interview, which can be in-person or online, between 1 and 12 June.

The person’s contribution will be anonymised, and folk will not be required to share personal financial or health details.

People are asked to email S1849260@ed.ac.uk or message Janna Smith on Facebook.