BACKGROUND
Many people in Scotland have difficulty in paying their fuel bills. Fuel poverty affects 618,000 households in Scotland, which is about 27% of the population. The key factors are: -
- Low disposable household income
- High cost of domestic Fuel
- Poor Energy Efficiency of Property
Cold weather can lead to serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression. You are more vulnerable to cold-related illnesses - if you're over 60, on a low income (so can't afford heating) or have a long-term health condition such as heart, lung or kidney disease, or are disabled.
Being in a cold environment could lead to people suffering from hypothermia. Elderly people & those who are ill and unable to move around easily are especially vulnerable. This can be due to poorly heated homes, not eating enough or not being active enough to generate energy. Babies are also more prone to hypothermia because their body's ability to regulate its temperature is not fully developed. They lose heat quickly if left in a cold room for too long.
Rural households are more susceptible to fuel poverty than urban households. 38% of those in rural areas suffer fuel poverty compared with around a quarter of urban households. 14% of rural households are in extreme fuel poverty.
PLEASE DON’T SUFFER IN SILENCE
If you or someone you know is having difficulty paying fuel bills or have other problems associated with fuel bills then please ask for help. Remember to get their permission first if you are seeking help on behalf of someone else.
ROSS & CROMARTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
Can offer free, confidential and impartial advice if you are suffering from Fuel Poverty or associated problems. They have trained volunteers that can help you and in January 2010 appointed a part time specialist Fuel Poverty adviser, Richard MacAulay, to raise awareness and assist in dealing with fuel poverty problems. Examples of problems that clients have asked CABx to help with include: -
- Bills - difficulty in paying, inaccurate & confusing bills, estimate bill problems
- Debt recovery - that is mistaken, inappropriate, harsh or excessive
- Prepayment Meters - Delays in fixing or recalibrating, back charging
- Lengthy delays and frustration in contacting companies to resolve complaints
- Form filling
- Income Maximisation
- Reducing energy costs/ energy supply / grants & loans available/ energy efficiency
- Signposting to other useful organisations
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