Energy support hub provides £800k boost
A support scheme for island households struggling with energy bills has managed to lever in a total investment of almost £800,000, with over 1,300 households being assisted to access additional help.
The Outer Hebrides Energy Support Hub is a two-year project operated by Tighean Innse Gall and offers local residents energy advice, financial support and practical measures to keep their homes warm.
It is funded through the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme (managed by The Energy Saving Trust) – a UK-wide initiative funded from penalties imposed on energy companies who breach industry law.
Nationally, the two-year scheme has now come to an end. However, TIG has managed to secure additional support from the Trust to keep the island project going.
Following an assessment of its operation over the last years, TIG reported that island households have been given nearly £800,000 through successful benefit claims, energy-efficiency improvements, heating vouchers, debt support and help resolving issues with energy suppliers.
The support comes as households across the Western Isles continue to face some of the highest levels of fuel poverty in Scotland.
A sample of more than 300 island homes supported in 2025/26 showed 83% were experiencing fuel poverty and the remaining 17% were at risk of falling into fuel poverty.
Households supported through the project had an average annual income of £17,344, with average heating costs of £2,378 per year, placing significant pressure on already stretched budgets.
Throughout the project, TIG provided wide-ranging support including issuing heating vouchers to 202 households, helping residents resolve complex energy supplier issues, accessing new appliances, and supporting people through changes such as the RTS meter switch-off.
The team also attended 60 community events and delivered 18 workshops and information sessions, ensuring support reached people across the islands.
Kirsty MacLeod, energy advice manager at Tighean Innse Gall, said: “Over the last two years, the Outer Hebrides Energy Support Hub has provided practical, one-to-one support to households facing increasingly complex challenges with energy costs, heating their homes and dealing with suppliers.
“Behind these figures are real people and families who were struggling, often with nowhere else to turn. The support provided through this project has helped people access the help they were entitled to, resolve long-standing issues and feel more confident managing their energy needs.
“We are incredibly proud of the impact achieved and the partnerships built across the islands, which have helped ensure support reaches those who need it most.”
One resident supported through the project was referred to TIG following a serious health crisis which had left him unable to work and unable to heat his home for more than two months.
Through the support provided, he was able to access replacement appliances, heating support and wider financial advice.
After being able to heat his home and cook hot meals again, he has since been able to return to work on a part-time basis. In total, the support provided to the household was worth more than £2,400.