Stewart Maxwell MSP launches new online service - Helpline for Fuel Poor 27 January 2009
Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell will be in Glasgow on Tuesday January 27 to hear about a helpline that offers advice to Scots suffering from fuel poverty.
The Home Heat Helpline, managed by the Energy Retail Association, offers practical energy advice for people concerned about paying their energy bills or heating their home.
Mr Maxwell’s visit also coincides with the launch of the helpline’s new online service.
The service is funded by Britain’s six major energy suppliers with the public able to call 0800 33 66 99. Help and advice is also available at www.homehelpline.org.uk
Speaking ahead of his visit, Mr Maxwell said:
“Our Scottish economic recovery plan includes helping households experiencing difficulties from the current economic downturn.
“We recently announced plans to improve energy efficiency in homes, do more to tackle fuel poverty and offer better financial advice to vulnerable households.
“The Energy Retail Association Home Heat Helpline offers invaluable advice to those vulnerable members of society that are experiencing difficulties.”
Willie MacDiarmid, chairman of the Energy Retail Association which manages the Home Heat Helpline said:
“We’re delighted to welcome the minister to see first hand The Home Heat Helpline and how it is helping people across Scotland by offering free advice on grants for home insulation, social tariffs and other assistance to reduce bills.
“From today the service will be bolstered by a new online callback facility available at www.homeheathelpline.org.uk, which will allow customers to log enquiries online and arrange for advisers to call them back.”
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Contact: Iain Monk: 0131 244 2951 or 07771 555 601
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Oliver Wright, Campaign Manager 020 7104 4159 oliver.wright@energy-uk.org.uk