Our Energy Team is here to help you with energy saving tips that are not only easy to carry out but can reward you with big savings.
Home Energy Scotland
To check if you qualify for any benefits or to get advice about insulation grants or different energy tariffs, you can call Home Energy Scotland for free impartial energy advice:
They also give advice on saving energy in your home, how to make your home warmer and save money, renewable energy technologies, waste prevention and much more.
More information on other Energy Grants and Support can be found on our Energy Grants page.
Do you need help using your heating system?
When you move into a new house it's not always easy to know how to use your heating system.
Energy Saving Trust have produced short videos giving you clear advice on how to use your electric storage heating or gas central heating.
For further information and advice you can visit the Energy Saving Trust website.
Electric wet system
The wet electric heating systems page has information on the recent communications issued to all residents in off-gas villages.
Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation (CISWO) energy grants
The CISWO is there to improve the lives of former coal miners and their families. This can be in the form of advice and support or access to financial grants for a specific item. Qualifying criteria must be met as part of a wider package.
Support is available to former mineworkers, their wives, partners, widows and any dependent children with a disability.
For more information contact CISWO,
Energy saving tips
Here are some handy tips that you can do for free to help you save energy and money.
Doors
Close the door when you leave a room. It stops the warm air escaping.
Curtains
Close your curtains when it gets dark to keep heat in and the cold out.
Radiators
Don't put furniture or curtains in front of radiators. They will absorb the heat and stop it warming the room. If you have storage heaters, remember to close the damper or output dial (sometimes called the boost) before you go to bed or if you go out during the day.
Thermostats
By turning your room thermostat down one degree you can save 10% on your fuel bill without noticing any difference in your comfort. The recommended temperature for a living room is 21C. Set your hot water thermostat at 60C.
Only heat your hot water for the hours you need it. It is more expensive to leave it on all day. Set your thermostatic radiator valves higher in the rooms you use and lower in the rooms you don't use.
Electrical appliances
Don't keep electrical appliances on standby because they still use energy. Turn them fully off when you’re not using them.
Cooking
Put lids on pots when cooking. The food cooks quicker which saves energy and less moisture is released into the kitchen. If you have a gas cooker, keep the tip of the gas flame under the pan. The heat is in the tip not the side of the flame.
Kettle
Only fill your kettle up with as much water as you need. But for safety remember to cover the element.
Washing
Hang washing outside wherever possible rather than using your tumble dryer. Tumble dryers use a large amount of energy. Use your 'half load' or 'economy' setting on your washing machine when you do not have a full load of washing.
Great British Insulation Scheme
Do you know how much heat is lost through your walls and roof? It's 33% through the walls and 26% through the roof! Now is the time to insulate your home to prepare for winter.
The Great British Insulation Scheme is here to help with insulation, if you meet the set criteria. To check if you qualify, fill in the details and an enquiry form will be sent to your Energy Company:
You might qualify if your home:
- has an energy performance certificate (EPC) of D to G
- is in Council Tax bands A-E in Scotland
You can be a homeowner, landlord or tenant (either renting privately or from a housing association). If you’re a tenant, speak to your landlord before you apply. You’ll need their permission before any insulation can be installed.