Energy efficiency grants
According to the Office of National Statistics more than 25,000 people aged over 65 died from cold related illness in Britain last winter and Age Concern believe that almost 2.4 million older people live in homes that are cold enough to cause illness. There are payments available to households, particularly the elderly, and it is important to know what you are able to claim.
* Please note that the Scottish Executive Central Heating Programme and Warm Deal Programme are now being run by Scottish Gas.
You can contact them on 0800 316 1653.
The Strathclyde and Central Energy Efficiency Advice Centre
The Strathclyde and Central Energy Efficiency Advice Centre (EEAC) is a key partner of East Renfrewshire Council and offers a free advice service, covering all households in East Renfrewshire. The EEAC aims to promote energy efficiency, raise environmental awareness and reduce fuel bills in homes throughout the former regions of Strathclyde and Central.
For further information on grants available visit the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre's website.
Alternatively call 0800 512 012.
Winter Fuel Payment
This is an annual payment available to those over 60. You can obtain a claim form by calling 08459 151 515, or visiting the Government website.
Warm Deal Scotland
This scheme provides grants for a range of energy saving measures, and is available to those receiving benefits (exceptions may apply).
Phone: 0800 316 1653 or visit the British Gas website.
Central Heating Programme Scotland/ Central Heating Programme Scotland for over 80s
Available to those over 60 and 80 respectively, these programmes offer assistance for heating and insulation packages.
Phone: 0800 316 1653 or visit the British Gas website.
Powergen Hardship Fund
This fund assists Powergen customers who are low income households facing financial difficulty by helping towards the cost of repairing or installing heating and insulation systems and also the cost of household appliances.
Phone: 0800 051 1480
Website: www.eonenergy.com
Scottish Gas Energy Trust
This charitable fund can offer assistance to: -
Reduce or clear arrears of gas or electricity debt.
Help with other essential household bills and costs.
Since its start in November 2004 the Trust has made over 5,300 awards totalling over £2million. A further £1.1million has been committed so far to fund debt advice, debt prevention, and financial education projects in the UK. Applicants must live in a property supplied by British or Scottish Gas.
Phone: 01733 421 050 / (01733 421 060 to request an application form)
Website: www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk
EDF Energy Trust
This trust assists EDF Energy customers with energy arrears and/or one off payments for household bills and costs.
Since its start in November 2003 the Trust has made over 4,500 awards totalling over £2.2million.
Phone: 01733 421 050 / (01733 421 060 to request an application form)
Website: www.edfenergytrust.org.uk
npower
npower operates the First Step programme for vulnerable customers who cannot afford to pay for energy use and/or debt. It provides a holistic solution to the management of energy bills and includes:
Help with account management by the First Step team who offer a personalised service on a one-to-one basis.
First Step Fund which enables customers to have their debt put on hold and cleared by npower if the customer keeps to an agreed payment plan.
First Step Tariff which is npower’s cheapest tariff and only available to these customers. Access to the First Step tariff will continue as long as the customer remains eligible through low income.
In addition benefits entitlement checks and energy efficiency advice and measures are offered. This is a long term arrangement with the customer to provide a permanent solution to the management of energy bills, and offers financial support, support to reduce energy consumption and support on a one-to-one basis to help manage their energy bills.
Phone: 0808 172 6999
The Scottish Power Energy People Trust
The Scottish Power Energy People Trust is an independent charity established to help end fuel poverty in the UK. The Trust can provide funds for not-for-profit organisations who work with or represent the vulnerable and fuel poor to help those most in need.
Phone: 0141 568 3388
Website: www.energypeopletrust.co.uk
East Renfrewshire Council Care and Repair
The Care and Repair Scheme can provide free one off minor electrical and joinery repairs to those over 60.
Phone: 0141 812 4111