We’re here to help: Latest on energy support available in Argyll

Over the last few weeks there have been various announcements of new energy and fuel poverty support available. We can help with access to some of these funds.

Fuel Vouchers: ALIenergy are partners of the Fuel Bank Foundation-through this partnership we can access fuel vouchers for customers on pre-payment meters. These vouchers are valued at £49 in winter and £30 in summer. If successful, within 24 hours the client will receive a text with a voucher code to present to the cashier at their usual PayPoint or Post Office to credit the meter key or card. There are limits to how many vouchers can be issued in a timeframe, but ALIenergy can override the system if there is exceptional need.

Bulk Heating Fuels: As partners of the Fuel Bank Foundation, we can access their Heat Fund on behalf of clients. This new fund covers the cost of a delivery of heating fuel (oil, LPG, wood, coal, etc) to anyone off the gas grid who are:

• living without heat because they are unable to afford to purchase fuel to top up their bunker, store, tank or bottles
• or imminently in risk of living without heat because they are unable to afford to purchase bulk fuel (imminently means within seven days)

Energy Debt Relief and Energy Payment Support: ALIenergy have registered with Citizens Direct Scotland-Home Heating Advice to access the new Scottish Government Funded Home Heating Support Fund. This new fund opens for applications 22nd Feb and runs until 31st March 2021. This fund will support the following:

• Make payments direct to energy and fuel suppliers to clear some or all energy debts
• Make payments direct to energy and fuel suppliers for current usage if customers are adversely affected by COVID-19 and are rationing heating or other necessities, have all electric heating, living off the gas grid, over 75 years of age or living in poor quality housing.

As well we these new funds we are continuing to deliver the Energy Advice element of the Council’s Flexible Food Fund and our general Affordable Warmth Advice Service where we can help householders understand their heating, energy use and how to save money on their bills, carry out tariff checks, support switching, apply for new white goods, support people to apply for the Warm Home Discount, check eligibility and refer to Home Energy Scotland for Warmer Homes Scotland, Energy Efficient Scotland Area Based Scheme and other government funded schemes.

For more information or to speak to an advisor, please call or text Rachel McNicol on 07860 774 929 or email rachel@alienergy.org.uk.