A WARM WELCOME FOR MSP
A resident of Coatbridge Alice Blackie was keen to make her home warmer and to cut her energy bills and so she has had insulation installed in her home. MSP John Wilson went along to find out about the work that has been carried out and to hear from Miss Blackie about what difference it has made.
The visit took place as part of the Warm Homes Campaign, led by charity Energy Action Scotland and sponsored by ScottishPower, to raise awareness of the problem of cold and expensive to heat homes, and to highlight the help and support available to the public.
Cavity wall insulation has been put into Miss Blackie’s home to stop heat escaping through the walls. This should make the home warmer and can help reduce energy bills. The work has been carried out by local company eaga Scotland.
Anyone wanting advice about saving energy in the home or about how they might be able to lower their energy bills is encouraged to contact the Scottish Government’s Energy Assistance Package on freephone 0800 512 012.
John Wilson MSP said “It is important that people are made aware of what support is available to them to reduce the costs of energy bills as we approach the colder winter months. It is clear from this visit that installing cavity wall insulation has made a difference to Miss Blackie’s home which will be of great benefit both in terms of energy efficiency and economically”
“It is hoped that through campaigns like the Warm Home Campaign others will be made aware of what assistance can be offered to save energy and to reduce the financial burden of higher energy bills”
Scott Restrick, Technical and Training Manager of Energy Action Scotland commented: “Many people are worried about making ends meet in the current economic climate and with the added concern about being able to afford home energy bills over the winter, it is essential that every effort is made to promote the initiatives that are available to help people.
“Through the Warm Homes Campaign, we want to demonstrate to decision-makers in Government the continued need for and value of schemes that maximise incomes, reduce fuel bills and improve the energy efficiency of homes.”
Jim Paterson, Sales and Marketing Director at ScottishPower said: “Tacking fuel poverty remains a challenge particularly during this time of recession, which will potentially see many households impacted financially.
“However, we believe it is a challenge we can face together, pooling resources to have a lasting impact on tackling fuel poverty. We are delighted to be supporting the Warm Homes Campaign, which provides the platform to showcase many of the successful energy efficiency and fuel poverty initiatives already underway across the country.”