Published on:
04
June 2012
A campaign was launched in Clackmannanshire this week in a bid to decrease Fuel Poverty and increase Energy Efficiency.
The official launch of the scheme took place on Friday 1st June, 2012 at Alloa Town Hall, in front of Deputy Provost, Councillor Donald Balsillie.
The campaign got underway following a successful bid for Scottish Government funding. Clackmannanshire Council has recently secured £315,000 to help and support vulnerable people in fuel poverty and to improve energy efficiency in the homes of local people by providing free loft and cavity wall insulation for owner occupiers and private landlord tenants.
Clackmannanshire Council Leader, Councillor Gary Womersley said: "The launch is being held to raise awareness of the assistance available in Clackmannanshire and to create a comprehensive local support network which can access specialist advice and support. We are offering free and impartial fuel poverty advice with specialist assistance.
"The Council has secured this additional funding from the Scottish Government and I'm keen that as many people within Clackmannanshire get the benefits of this initiative as possible
"The aim of the campaign is to eradicate fuel poverty in Clackmannanshire, as far as reasonably practicable, by 2016, and improve energy efficiency across all housing tenures. It will also assist residents in the county in reducing their energy costs with the use of renewable technologies."
The event consisted of a presentation by the Council's fuel poverty experts followed by an opportunity to network with the specialist advice team and representatives from the Energy Action Scotland advice centre, the WISE Group and Clackmannanshire Council.
Operations Manager for the Energy Saving Scotland advice centre Strathclyde and Central, Alex Warren, said; "We are delighted to be working closely with Clackmannanshire Council to tackle rising energy bills in the region.
"We are urging householders to act now in order to see the benefits before winter. Call the UHIS energy advice team on 01259 450000 and get free, impartial advice on how you can save energy and keep your bills as low as possible."
The campaign will continue through until April 2013 with residents and families in Clackmannanshire given the chance to cut their fuel bills, help increase their income as well as receive valuable advise from experts.
To find out more call the Home Energy Scotland hotline free on 0800 512012 or from a mobile on 0300 456 2655 or visit homeenergyscotland.org.uk.
You can also e-mail fuelenergyadvice@clacks.gov.uk for more information.