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Get help with energy bills

Last updated: 25 January 2019

You might need advice and support if you find it hard paying your fuel bills or keeping your home warm.

Warmer Homes Scotland

Warmer Homes Scotland is a Scottish Government scheme, designed to help people in need make their homes warmer and more comfortable by installing energy saving measures. It's managed on our behalf by Warmworks Scotland.

The help offered will depend on a survey of the property.

If you've had assistance through a government programme before, you can still apply for Warmer Homes Scotland - if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Potential help includes:

  • wall insulation
  • loft insulation
  • draught-proofing
  • central heating
  • renewables

Get help from Warmer Homes Scotland

If you're a homeowner or private sector tenant and are struggling to heat your home, and have lived in the property for at least 12 months. You may be eligibile for help.

For more information about the scheme, including eligibility - visit Greener Scotland or call Home Energy Scotland free on 0808 808 2282.

Home Energy Scotland

Almost everyone can get some form of help from Home Energy Scotland. This is a free service funded by the Scottish Government that gives advice on making your home cheaper to heat, and on saving energy and carbon. Call Home Energy Scotland free on 0808 808 2282, or text WARM to 81025 for a call back.

They can give you:

  • free, impartial advice about the best energy-saving options for your home
  • a benefit check to make sure you're getting the benefits you're entitled to
  • support on how to switch your energy tariffs
  • a home energy check – you can do this over the phone or an advisor can visit you at home if you'd rather speak to someone in person
  • guidance on financial support, including Warmer Homes Scotland referrals, benefits checks, incentives and discounted energy rates
  • advice on energy efficiency grants, loans or discounts to help with the cost
  • details of installers in your area
  • referrals to the Warm Home Discount scheme – this could get you a discount on your electricity bill

Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland (HEEPS)

You may be eligible for support under the Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland (HEEPS). HEEPS provides financial support, including the Warmer Homes Scotland scheme, incentives and discounted energy rates.

These could help reduce your bills and make your house warmer by funding energy efficiency measures like:

  • a new boiler
  • draught proofing
  • insulation
  • heating controls

Winter Fuel Payment

You could get between £100 and £300 tax-free to help pay your heating bills if you were born on or before 5 May 1953. This is known as a 'Winter Fuel Payment'.

Find out more about the Winter Fuel Payment.

Financial Health Check

The Financial Health Check service offers money advice to older people and families.

It can show you how to make the most of your income and make sure that you're not paying more than you need to for basic services like gas, electricity and broadband.

It can help you find out:

  • what benefits you can get
  • how to save money on your bills
  • what other money you may be entitled to

You can talk to Financial Health Check advisors by calling 0800 085 7145 or meeting them in person at your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Further information