Free energy advice is available as more winter weather is forecast

The service is designed to provide energy advice, among other help.

A first-of-its kind partnership between SSEN and CAS continues to prove a success in the north of Scotland, with SSEN-funded energy advisers supporting households seeking expert advice since July 2019, putting over £225,000 back into the community.

The advisers provide energy efficiency advice, referrals to the Warm Home Discount Scheme and Home Energy Scotland for loans, grants, incentives and benefit checks. They also refer eligible customers to SSEN’s Priority Services Register, providing additional support to those who need it most.

The expert advisers have seen over 820 clients across Shetland, the Western Isles, Aberdeenshire, Caithness and Sutherland and rural Stirling, keeping vital money in their pockets with free, impartial and bespoke energy advice.

The most recent SSEN-funded post, set up at Stirling Citizens Advice Bureau, is a result of an increase in the number of people facing financial difficulty during the coronavirus pandemic and a drastic rise in those suffering from fuel poverty. Both organisations are working in partnership to identify and support families and elderly people living in fuel poverty within SSEN’s licence areas.

Simon O’Loughlin, Stakeholder Engagement Manager at SSEN, said: “We are delighted to be working with Citizens Advice Scotland, helping people to stay warm and save money for a second winter. The project coordinator, Christine, and the team of energy advisers are all passionate, knowledgeable, approachable and willing to help.

“Critically, we recognise that anyone experiencing fuel poverty is likely to be experiencing financial difficulties in other respects too. Partnering with Citizens Advice Scotland allows our customers to get a wide range of help and advice to help financially not just energy.”

Project coordinator and outreach worker Laura Hutchison, added: “I am extremely grateful to SSEN and CAB for having a deep understanding of rural fuel poverty issues and the vulnerabilities that exist.

Visit cas.org.uk for more info.