Residents in the Highland could save £100 on their energy bills

Residents in the Highlands could have more money in their pockets if they review and switch their energy supplier or energy deal.

Nearly half of all Scots (48 per cent) have never switched their energy supplier or checked to see if they’re getting the best deal on their energy bills. They could be missing out on an average saving of £100, with many people saving even more, according to a survey [1] from Consumer Focus Scotland, the consumer watchdog, which is rolling out the Energy Best Deal Scotland campaign, supported by Ofgem.

A central part of the campaign is to help consumers, especially those on low incomes, to check they’re getting the best deal.

Now frontline advisers are being trained through a partnership with Money Advice Scotland (MAS) and Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) to help consumers check their bills - and switch supplier if necessary.

This week local money advisers working in Highland are being trained by Consumer Focus Scotland so they can help those who are already facing financial difficulties check if they are on the best energy deal and if not, switch by following a few simple steps.  The training also covers energy efficiency measures, from the Energy Savings Trust, consumers can take at low or no cost.

Pat Sproul, Senior Money Advice Officer, The  Highland Council , said:  “The training has been invaluable and our advisers are geared up to help advise and check if residents in the Highlands, who are already suffering from some financial difficulties, are on the best energy deal.  It’s a great campaign to be involved with and Consumer Focus Scotland is doing a tremendous job in rolling out the campaign across Scotland, and now including the Highlands. With average savings of £100, and the potential to save much more, we want to make sure those who can benefit the most know how they can save on their energy bills and that our staff can support them check they are on the right deal and help them save money where possible. The training provided guidance to advisers on how best to shop around for the best deal and if necessary, switch. It only takes a few minutes and we heard great reports of people making some big savings.”

The campaign aims to train around 200 advisers through a partnership with Money Advice Scotland (MAS) and Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) to help up to a million households across Scotland save money on their energy deal. Nearly 100 have already been trained.

Factbox: how to switch in five easy steps
1.       Find out how much you pay now – get a copy of  your most recent gas and electricity bill
2.       Consumer Focus has accredited several price comparison websites through its Confidence Code. You can find a list of these sites at www.consumerfocus.org.uk or call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06
3.       Choose a deal that meets your needs and helps save you money
4.       The new supplier will organise the changeover – they’ll ask you for meter readings
5.       Switching can take around six to eight weeks – your supply will continue as normal.

If you’re over 60, on means-tested benefits or on a low income you might qualify for a social tariff. Call your current supplier to find out.

Information materials can be found at a wide range of outlets including Citizens Advice Bureaux, libraries, post offices, housing associations, health centres and local authorities.