Energy Assistance Package

Last Updated: 22.01.2011

The Energy Assistance Package is open to people across Scotland offering free advice on how to make the home more energy efficient, and cut down on heating costs.

In addition to this, if you fulfil certain criteria, you could receive further help, such as free insulation, draught proofing or a new heating system.

What is the Energy Assistance Package?

The Energy Assistance Package is backed by the Scottish Government, and administered by the Energy Saving Trust. It was set up to help people heat their homes more economically and effectively.

The package consists of four stages.

Stage 1: Energy Advice

A home energy check with free advice on making the home more energy efficient is available to all householders. This short survey checks how energy efficient your home is and suggest practical changes and improvements. It can help you save money by reducing the amount of energy you use in your home. It can be done over the phone. Or you can fill in a home energy check online and they will aim to call you back within 2 working days.

Who is eligible for Energy Advice?

Everyone is eligible for energy advice. Whether you are working, retired or receiving benefits. Call the Home Energy Scotland Hotline on 0800 512 012 for your own free personalised home energy check.

Stage 2: Income Maximisation to put more money in your pocket

Help in assessing whether you qualify for tax credits and benefits and access to the lowest-cost energy rates.

Energy suppliers sometimes offer people lower cost energy rates, called social tariffs. If it’s likely you’ll qualify, the Energy Savings Trust can contact your energy supplier about switching you to a social tariff, so that you pay less for the energy you use.

Available help is dependent on personal circumstances, and if you qualify, the Energy Saving Trust could help you switch to the lowest tariff offered by your energy company.

Who is eligible for Income Maximisation?

Everyone may be eligible depending on circumstances. Find out more about income maximisation through benefit entitlement checks.

Stage 3: Insulation measures from an energy supplier

You could be entitled to loft insulation or cavity wall insulation in your home subject to certain requirements. This part of the package aims to make sure lofts and cavity walls are insulated and homes are made warmer.

Who is eligible for insulation measures from an energy supplier?

If you’re a home-owner or a private-sector tenant and receive benefits or are 70 or over.

Stage 4: Energy Efficiency Measures

If you are a homeowner or the tenant of a private landlord there are measures funded by the Scottish Government to make your home warmer and cheaper to heat, for example heating systems such as central heating or a new boiler, and loft and cavity wall insulation.

Who is eligible for Energy Efficiency Measures?

If you’re a homeowner or a private-sector tenant, have lived in the home for at least 1 year, and are either pregnant, have a child under 16, or are 60 or over.

More help with the Energy Assistance Package

If you would like to know more or would like help with the Energy Assistance Package, visit a North Ayrshire Citizens Advice Bureau. We can help with benefit entitlement checks and tell you what is available from the scheme. You can find our contact details at the bottom of the page, our hours of business can be found on our opening hours page, alternatively, you can email us via our contact us page.

You can also call the Home Energy Scotland Hotline on 0800 512 012.