Support during the energy crisis

With an energy price guarantee now confirmed by the UK Government, average fuel costs for the coming winter will be lower than the proposed October price cap but still considerably higher than last year.

SFHA has compiled a list of resources to help social landlords and their tenants to keep up to date with the available support. This update includes some additional information since the initial article we published in August, and we will continue to update members in line with any further announcements from government.

We would also advise any SFHA members who are not yet a member of the Energy and Net Zero Forum to sign up to the mailing list and Microsoft Teams Channel. Click here to join.

Cost of Living Support Scotland

The Scottish Government has set up a new website or ‘one-stop shop’ which provides information on the wide range of advice and financial support available to people in Scotland. This include information on help available for households to meet rising energy, housing and other costs.

Visist: https://costofliving.campaign.gov.scot/ 

Energy Saving Trust

The Energy Saving Trust has produce some quick tips to help householders heat their home for less, including tips to reduce heat loss. This also includes as summary of the support available.

Advice Direct Scotland

Advice Direct Scotland (ADS) offers a range of services to support with the cost-of-living crisis and those struggling with energy costs. This includes a Cost-Of-Living Toolkit, to help partnership organisations and stakeholders access the various support channels offered by ADS in a few easy clicks.

The page also allows partners to download printable materials that can be displayed on notice boards or shared with service users digitally. To download these materials, partners can also CLICK HERE. This includes information on the Scottish Government’s Home Heating Support Fund which seeks to provide financial relief to energy consumers who are experiencing significant financial hardship and strives to provide this support to households regardless of the fuel or payment method used. More on the fund is available HERE.

Energy domestic consumer advice for Autumn/Winter 2022

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Citizens Advice, Energy UK and Ofgem, the energy regulator, have prepared a guide for all the support available to consumers and a list of common queries. This is intended for front-line advisers to help them to answer questions, give the right advice and signpost people to where they can get help.

A specific guide for domestic customers Scotland has been published, although please check the main webpage to ensure the latest version is being accessed: www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/energy-domestic-consumer-advice-autumn-winter-2022

This includes contact details for national agencies such as Home Energy Scotland, Citizens Advice Scotland and Advice Direct Scotland.

Free, practical advice and information on energy-related matters for the citizens of Scotland can also be found at https://energyadvice.scot/.

Changeworks and Warmworks

SFHA has renewed its strategic partnership with Changeworks and Warmworks in order to provide members with increased expertise and support on improving energy efficiency and tackling fuel poverty. You can find out more about the partnership here or use contact form to submit a direct enquiry to discuss what support can be provided.

Utility Aid

Utility Aid Utility Aid is the UK’s largest energy broker for the not-for-profit sector, covering procurement, bureau services, full account management, historical audits, and carbon reporting and net zero planning. If you are concerned about your energy costs rising this winter, please get in touch for a free energy audit and receive help and advice with your organisation's procurement needs. 

Contact: Emily Berry, Partnership Manager, eberry@utility-aid.com or call our customer care team – 0808 178 8170

Energy Action Scotland

Energy Action Scotland (EAS) campaigns for an end to fuel poverty in Scotland and seeks to develop and promote effective solutions to the problem of cold, damp and expensive to heat homes. EAS provides a range of training courses in energy-related topics in addition to the Advisor’s Toolkit and further advice for households.