The South West Aberdeenshire Citizens Advice Bureau has secured two years of funding for the appointment of a part-time fuel and energy adviser.
The post is being funded by Citizens Advice Scotland in partnership with Scottish and Southern Energy and will help clients switch energy supplier, identify ways to save energy and make the home more energy efficient, address individual fuel debt and help with consumer problems related to billing or arising from renewable energy equipment installation.
John Andrea, fuel and energy adviser said: “Fuel poverty is on the rise in rural Aberdeenshire. Annual energy bills now average £1,300, about £50 more than last year, but despite these figures, 62% of the population have yet to switch to a better energy deal. Additionally 45% feel they would not save much money by changing supplier.”
He added: “We can show how much people could save if they were to switch. We believe no one should miss out because they do not have easy access to the internet. We are here to help by reducing expenditure on energy and maximising income.”
Appointments with the energy adviser, for Aberdeenshire residents only, are available at the CAB Westhill office and at the CAB’s rural outreaches at Banchory, Alford and Aboyne by calling 01224 747714. The same number will access all other services provided by the bureau.