Written Question · S5W-03008 · Session 5
What action it is taking to assist people on low incomes in accessing cheaper energy.
The question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to assist people on low incomes in accessing cheaper energy.
The answer
The Scottish Government is committed to improving the energy efficiency of our homes making them warmer and cheaper to heat, allocating almost £650 million since 2009.
We also recognise the importance of innovative energy models in the market and last year we backed the launch of ‘Our Power’ with £2.5 million Scottish Government investment. Our funding has enabled over 30 Registered Social Landlords to come together to establish an energy supply company. We are committed to further promoting this social enterprise energy model for councils and housing associations, to help keep costs down for households.
Later this year we will convene a summit of utility companies to challenge them to do more to provide the best rates available for low income households and reduce the need for prepayment meters which result in the poorest in society paying the most for their energy.
The Scottish Government funds the Home Energy Scotland (HES) advice centres and helpline which provides free and impartial advice on energy saving to all householders. This includes information about specific energy efficiency measures, as well as checking eligibility for government schemes and programmes. Through this service we are also helping consumers to engage with the retail energy market. We recently launched a new partnership for impartial advice on energy supplier switching delivered by the social enterprise Citrus Energy. This pilot is helping HES clients who require additional help and support to explore the option of switching. HES can be contacted on 0808 808 2282 or further information can be found at: www.greenerscotland.org/warm-homes.
Switching energy tariff or supplier can provide significant savings for consumers. The Scottish Government is examining collective switching and group buying of energy to better understand the potential to increase Scottish consumer engagement in the energy market, and in particular, how to reach the most vulnerable in line with the Scottish Government’s call for a fair deal for all Scottish energy consumers.
We also recognise the importance of innovative energy models in the market and last year we backed the launch of ‘Our Power’ with £2.5 million Scottish Government investment. Our funding has enabled over 30 Registered Social Landlords to come together to establish an energy supply company. We are committed to further promoting this social enterprise energy model for councils and housing associations, to help keep costs down for households.
Later this year we will convene a summit of utility companies to challenge them to do more to provide the best rates available for low income households and reduce the need for prepayment meters which result in the poorest in society paying the most for their energy.
The Scottish Government funds the Home Energy Scotland (HES) advice centres and helpline which provides free and impartial advice on energy saving to all householders. This includes information about specific energy efficiency measures, as well as checking eligibility for government schemes and programmes. Through this service we are also helping consumers to engage with the retail energy market. We recently launched a new partnership for impartial advice on energy supplier switching delivered by the social enterprise Citrus Energy. This pilot is helping HES clients who require additional help and support to explore the option of switching. HES can be contacted on 0808 808 2282 or further information can be found at: www.greenerscotland.org/warm-homes.
Switching energy tariff or supplier can provide significant savings for consumers. The Scottish Government is examining collective switching and group buying of energy to better understand the potential to increase Scottish consumer engagement in the energy market, and in particular, how to reach the most vulnerable in line with the Scottish Government’s call for a fair deal for all Scottish energy consumers.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S5W-03008 by reference.