Scottish Government extends support for three energy schemes to help more people with heating costs

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The Scottish Government has announced more than £160 million of funding is being invested this year to help make homes and buildings warmer and more efficient, supporting efforts to tackle fuel poverty while helping householders manage their energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.In response to the cost of living crisis, three Scottish Government energy efficiency and heat programmes will be boosted from April.These include expanding the Home Energy Scotland (HES) advice service, widening the eligibility criteria of the Scottish Government’s Warmer Homes Scotland fuel poverty programme and increasing the level of funding households can benefit from the local authority-led Area Based Schemes to help with fuel bills.Zero Carbon Buildings Minister Patrick Harvie said: “Everyone needs a safe, warm place to call home.

I am acutely aware that soaring energy prices will be causing many people to worry about the cost of their fuel bills and it is vital that people struggling with energy bills get the information and support they need, while governments step up with appropriate actions.“We are using all powers and resources available to us to support people through the cost of living crisis and the Scottish Budget last month included a package of measures to provide immediate help with rising bills.

At the same time, powers relating to energy markets remain reserved and we have repeatedly called for the UK Government to urgently take further, tangible actions to support households.”However, he added that immediate help also has to go side by side with longer term action.He explained: “Investing in energy efficiency is the best buffer against the ebb and flow of global energy prices.