People across the country are being urged to act now to cut their bills and make their homes warmer as part of a Scottish Government campaign to encourage people to call Home Energy Scotland (0808 808 2282).

A one-stop shop for advice and support, Home Energy Scotland is there to help Scots keep warm this winter and beyond. Around a third of Scottish households have been offered advice by the helpline since it started, and it is the only source of clear and impartial advice on how to make your home cheaper to heat.

This new campaign to raise awareness of Home Energy Scotland comes as the Scottish Government has extended the range of support available with schemes such as Warmer Homes Scotland and interest free loans for energy efficiency improvements.

Everyone can get help and it’s free to call. As well as receiving money-saving energy advice and an assessment of their property by phone, households may be eligible to receive help to replace their old, inefficient boiler with a new model, which could also cut hundreds of pounds off their annual fuel bills. Some may also be in line for free loft and cavity wall insulation, and others could receive a full central heating system at no cost.

Interest free, unsecured loans of up to ten thousand pound are also available to householders for installing a variety of measures such as solid wall insulation, double glazing or a new boiler. There are also a wide number of schemes available across Scotland that are based upon where people live. Just one call to Home Energy Scotland is all it takes for people to find out if they are eligible.

Up to £224 million is being invested in Warmer Homes Scotland, building on the success of the previous Energy Assistance Scheme, to provide thousands of vulnerable households with a wide range of heating, insulation and renewables measures across all of Scotland.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Communities & Pensioners’ Rights Alex Neil said; “One call to Home Energy Scotland is all it takes to see if you can save money on winter fuel bills. I would urge Scots to pick up the phone and call the helpline on 0808 808 2282, or visit homeenergyscotland.org.

“Anyone can get energy efficiency advice and find out what’s available to them. Many others can also qualify for energy saving improvements such as insulation, boilers or central heating for free. All of which, could help keep their heating costs down and their homes cosy.

“Rising energy bills remain a huge concern for the Scottish Government and fuel poverty is still a major issue in Scotland. Our long term commitment will help thousands more households over the next few years, and is part of our promise to help Scots escape fuel poverty.”

To find out exactly what you are eligible for - whatever your circumstances - call Home Energy Scotland now on 0808 808 2282 or go to www.homeenergyscotland.org. Act now to make your home warmer and help Scotland go greener together.