Keeping warm, keeping costs down
Everyone should have a warm home, but with high utility costs this can be expensive. The Council has published a guide to managing your bills. In addition the Energy Matters guide provides advice to East Lothian Council tenants.
Help is available to make your home more energy efficient and less expensive to heat. This also means fewer emissions into the environment. The main sources of advice on energy efficiency and fuel billing available for East Lothian residents are:
2. East Lothian energy advice service
4. East Lothian housing association (ELHA)
1. Home Energy Scotland
Home energy Scotland administers the delivery of the Warmer homes Scotland scheme funded by the Scottish Government. You can find out if you are eligible for the scheme through the self-assessment tool on their website. The Home energy Scotland website contains advice on how to make your home warmer along with contact details.
2. East Lothian energy advice service
The East Lothian energy advice service, funded by East Lothian Council is run by Changeworks. The service provides specialist advice and practical support to help people stay affordably warm in their homes. You can self-refer to the service by:
- Using Changeworks’ online referral form: you can refer yourself or a client to the Changeworks Affordable Warmth Services team
- By calling 0800 870 8800, the phone line is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
More information is available on the Changeworks website or you can contact Changeworks by email: warmth@changeworks.org.uk.
3. Citizens advice
Musselburgh Citizens Advice Bureau and Haddington Citizens Advice Bureau offer a wide range of advice, including advice on fuel poverty.
Musselburgh CAB also employ a qualified energy advisor who can offer energy advice appointments for as well as a LEAP home visit. A short video showing how the service works is available. For more information contact LEAP on 0800 029 4543 or you can also apply online on the LEAPS website.
4. East Lothian Housing Association (ELHA)
ELHA offer an in-house money & home energy advice service which is a free, confidential service provided to ELHA tenants and members of their household. The service offers information, practical assistance and advice.
5. BeGreen Dunbar
BeGreen Dunbar offer free advice and consultations on how to improve energy efficiency and reduce bills, in addition to free home energy assessments. You can visit them in person at the BeGreen Dunbar Centre located on Dunbar High Street.
6. Energy Saving Trust
Energy saving tips are available from the Energy Saving Trust.