Brian Adam, MSP for Aberdeen Donside, has today encouraged his constituents who are concerned about their fuel bills this winter to contact the Home Heat Helpline.
New figures reveal that 8,000 households in Aberdeen are entitled to some form of assistance with their fuel bills. That help is worth an average of £250 per household and a free helpline is available for more information.
The number for the Home Heat Helpline is 0800 33 66 99 or you can visit www.homeheathelpline.org.uk. It is a free service that provides independent advice to people on low incomes on how to get help with their gas and electricity bills as well as other help such as grants for insulation or a new boiler.
Mr Adam said:
“I know that many residents in Aberdeen are concerned about the price of staying warm in their home this winter.
“There are around 8,000 households in Aberdeen who are entitled to help and I would encourage anyone who is struggling with their bills or would like advice to get in touch with the Home Heat Helpline.
Mr Adam continued:
“I would also ask people to look out for neighbours, friends or relatives who may be in difficulty and make sure that they are aware of the Home Heat Helpline."
Christine McGourty from the Home Heat Helpline also advises people to think about what they can do around the home to reduce their energy consumption:
“As well as calling the Home Heat Helpline to find out what financial assistance is available there are some other simple steps people can take. For example:
• turn radiators down in rooms which you only use occasionally
• switch your lights off when you're not using them
• turn appliances like TVs and phone chargers off at the wall rather than leaving them on standby when they're not being used
• replace normal light bulbs with energy efficient ones
• regularly defrost your freezer to make sure it's operating at full efficiency
• draw curtains over windows at night to provide insulation for the room
• move furniture away from radiators and heaters to allow heat to circulate around the room
• open internal doors of any rooms which get more sun than others and let the warm air travel around your home”
