Majority concerned about cost of energy bills this winter

17th November 2012

Households across the country are being urged to act now to cut their bills and make their homes warmer through a national public awareness campaign launched today, which aims to encourage people to call the Home Energy Scotland Hotline [0800 512 012] for free energy advice and support.

This comes after a new survey1 found that almost 80 per cent (77%) of Scots are concerned about the cost of their energy bills this winter.

And, while many Scots use or would be interested in using loft (45%) or wall (32%) insulation to help make their homes warmer, only 29 per cent of people said they have claimed the free home insulation they are eligible for.

Everyone can get help. A one-stop-shop for energy advice and support, one call to the Hotline is all it takes for people to find out what they are eligible for. Friendly advisors can provide details of free offers, discounts and other support available to help everyone have a warmer, affordable and greener home this winter.

The survey also found that almost half (47%) of Scottish adults have not checked their current home’s insulation levels for at least a year, even though nearly 2 out of 3 Scottish homes that have lofts don’t have enough insulation. With the cold months upon us, planning and preparing now for the drop in temperatures will ensure a warmer home that costs less to heat.

Launching the campaign, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities, Nicola Sturgeon, said:“Scotland is an energy rich nation and everyone should live in a safe, warm, affordable home.

“The Home Energy Scotland Hotline is a vital source of information for families across Scotland, providing comprehensive advice on energy saving to support those most in need.

“I would urge anyone who has not looked at loft or cavity wall insulation, or those looking to replace their old and inefficient boiler to contact the Hotline as soon as possible to find out about the range of offers available to help them cut their household heating bills this winter.”
Over 230,000 Scots have already benefited from advice to save money on heating bills since April 2009, and over 24,000 heating installations have been carried out. Last year, 12,000 households received vouchers for new boilers. Many more people across Scotland will be eligible to have free insulation fitted or to receive a £400 voucher to replace their boiler. Some will even qualify to have a new boiler or a full central heating system installed at no cost to them.

The Scottish Government’s Home Energy Scotland Hotline (0800 512 012) is free to call and energy advice is available now for everyone across Scotland.

For more advice and information go to www.homeenergyscotland.org.uk

Figures from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1005 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 6 – 8 November 2012. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Scottish adults (aged 18+)