Leading environmental charity Changeworks is working together with gas distributor SGN and electricity distributor SP Energy Networks (SPEN) to help consumers across south-east Scotland stay safe and warm in their homes for longer.
SGN and SPEN are funding additional support through Changeworks’ Affordable Warmth Advocacy project, which aims to empower and support consumers in fuel poverty to use energy safely, efficiently, and affordably.
The funding will allow Changeworks’ Affordable Warmth Services team to provide energy support and advice to people across East Lothian, Edinburgh, Fife, Midlothian, Scottish Borders and West Lothian, helping them improve their energy efficiency and better manage energy use and bills.
The project will also work to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide and encourage people to sign up to the Priority Services Register if not already registered – a free support service to help energy customers who may need additional support.
Lisa Bygate, Changeworks’ Affordable Warmth Services Team Manager, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with SGN and SP Energy Networks to provide in-depth energy advice and advocacy to those living in the South East of Scotland.
“Our expert advisors are here to help and are already working hard to help lessen the impacts of rising fuel costs – where possible – by tackling the root causes of fuel poverty, such as inefficient and high energy costs and usage. We want to ensure that people can keep warm both safely and affordably.”
Linda Spence, Vulnerability Manager from SGN, said: “This partnership has come at a time where more than ever support for fuel poor and vulnerable households is needed.
“We recognised people in south-east Scotland were struggling to heat their homes affordably, with many not aware of the Priority Service Register (PSR), gas safety and the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO). Partnering with Changeworks and SP energy Networks will help us reach many more households to provide energy efficiency advice, access to PSR and CO awareness through campaigns as well as one-to-one support, helping people stay safe and warm in their homes.
George Young, SP Energy Networks’, General Manager – Customer Experience & Data Science, said: “Supporting our customers is at the heart of what we do every day and almost a quarter of a million people are registered on our Priority Services Register in this region. However, we know there are many more who don’t know about the help available to them and this project can change that.
“It will also help ensure people have the information and support to make realistic changes to better manage their energy use safely and in the right way for them and their families, which could help reduce energy costs. We’re proud to be working with Changeworks and SGN on this important project.”
If you live in South East Scotland and would like to get advice from the Affordable Warmth Services Team, please contact them via email at warmth@changeworks.org.uk or call 0131 555 4010.