I understand that fuel costs are a challenge for many of my constituents particularly in the colder months. Below I have gathered information on organisations who offer advice as well as how to get help towards the cost of your fuel.
Priority Services Register (PSR)
The Priority Services Register is a UK wide free service offered by energy companies to support customers with communication, access, or safety needs, particularly during outages and emergencies. It is there to help protect vulnerable customers by ensuring they get the right support and clear information during supply interruptions.
PSR is free and available to vulnerable customers including
- Older people
- Disabled
- Medically dependent on energy
- Low literacy/confidence
- Mental health issues
It can help with:
- Meter reading support
- Alternative bill formats
- Password protection for visits
- Advance notice of planned interruptions
If you feel you could benefit from the PSR contact your supplier to register.
What help is available?
If you are worried about paying your fuel bill it is important to always contact your supplier directly as most mainstream energy suppliers offer support funds for customers struggling with costs. These schemes vary by supplier — some are automatic, others need an application. Below are a list of useful links for support:
EDF Extra Support and Personal Assistance
Octopus Energy Octo Assist Fund
Utility Warehouse Hardship Fund
British Gas Energy Support Fund
The Individuals and Families Fund is open to British Gas and customers of other suppliers where their own supplier does not have a support fund or have refused your application.
To be eligible, customers must:
- Owe between £50-£1700 (prepayment customers or £250- £1700 (credit account customers
- Have not received a grant from BGET within last 2 years
- Have household income of less than £20,328, or
- Someone in household receives a disability benefit, or Receive Carers Allowance, or you have 3+ children
Grants and Practical Help
Crisis grants are part of the Scottish Welfare Fund and are there to help people in a crisis or emergency including help with heating, fuel, or essential living costs. It does not need to be repaid.
A free and easy to use online grant search tool which helps individuals find energy-related grants and financial support. It matches grants based on personal circumstances and can be used independently or with support from an adviser. Welfare advice and support is available through North Ayrshire Councils Money Smart
This Scottish Government scheme helps homeowners improve energy efficiency in the home which can help to reduce energy bills and can offer energy-saving home improvements up to £10,000.
A Scottish Government funded advice and support service, it offers free, impartial advice on energy efficiency and heating. HES supports households to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions, offers specialist support for vulnerable households and fuel poverty and can advise on grants/interest-free loans for home improvements.
Prepayment meters
Fuel Vouchers can offer short-term help with gas or electricity for prepayment meter top-ups. Cirtus Energy’s Lemon Aid provides free, independent, and impartial service for energy-related issues and support, including help with pre-payment meters. Call 07973 847 981.
Help for Off Grid Homes
Heat Fund is an emergency fuel support for off-grid homes. It provides financial help for bulk fuel deliveries (e.g. heating oil, LPG, wood, coal) to homes not connected to the mains gas grid who can’t afford to refill their fuel stores.
Ruth Maguire MSP (SNP) 