The 30th November 2023 is Fuel Poverty Awareness Day. It’s a day to raise awareness of the challenges many people face to keep their homes warm during the cold winter months. We’re in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis and are paying energy prices that are still twice as expensive as they were only 2 years ago. There is little likelihood of these prices dropping anytime soon, either.
2.2 million of us would describe energy bills as one of our biggest worries this winter, according to new research published by Citizens Advice Scotland. 1.4 million of us are worried about how we’ll keep our homes warm this winter.
Fuel Poverty is a term used to identify households that may be experiencing difficulty managing their energy bills or keeping their homes warm.
Most people would be unlikely to identify themselves as being in fuel poverty, they’re more likely to think or say:
- I worried about my gas bill/I can’t top up my meter
- I can’t afford to turn on the heating today
- My home is always damp or cold
- I’m always ill
The causes for these issues can be complex, however, we find these are usually attributed to:
- Low income
- High fuel costs
- Energy inefficient homes
Managing your energy use at home
There are lots of things you can do to help keep your home warm this winter.
Are you receiving all the income you’re entitled too? Take a look at the Fife Benefit Checker.
If you’ve not already now is the time to apply for the Warm Home Discount! This is a £150 rebate you can claim from your energy supplier. You should get applications in as soon as possible.
If you’re worried about keeping your home warm this winter, take a look at our range of energy advice guides to see what changes you can make to how you use energy at home.
Help Fuel Fife Folk
Greener Kirkcaldy and St Andrews Environmental Network are appealing for your donations to help support those in need to stay warm over the winter. Your donations will be used to provide vital measures including low-energy electric over-blankets, warm thermal curtains and reflective radiator panels.
Any donation, large or small will help. You can donate here.
Read how Lucy received help to stay warm earlier this year.
Training for Frontline Workers
Our Energy Efficiency Quick-start Essentials for Front Line Staff & Volunteers is a 2.5-hour training workshop that we can deliver to frontline staff and volunteers of agencies in Fife who may come into contact with those who are experiencing or at risk of Fuel Poverty.
You can find more about this training here.
Free and Impartial advice from Cosy Kingdom
Cosy Kingdom is a free and impartial energy advice service available to anyone living in Fife.
We can advise and support on a range of issues such as billing and supplier issues, gas and electricity debt, as well as advice on keeping on top of energy use.
We support thousands of Fifers each year to stay safe and warm and at home.
You can arrange a chat with one of our energy advisors by getting in touch using the contact details below.
Our energy advisors can be contacted by:
- Calling 01592 807930 between 10AM and 3PM Monday to Friday
- Texting COSY then YOUR NAME to 88440
- Emailing info@cosykingdom.org.uk
- Request advice online
- On our Facebook and Twitter social media pages