Stuart McMillan MSP met with Jim Percival from The Wise Group to learn more about the Inverclyde Home Energy Advice Team (i.HEAT) as part of Challenge Poverty Week, which is designed to highlight that poverty is a problem that we can solve, and to showcase solutions and best practice.
i.HEAT is committed to helping Inverclyde residents with all aspects of home energy use and work closely with other local Inverclyde organisations, including Inverclyde Council, Money Matters, Starter Packs, Financial Fitness, Macmillan Cancer Support and Inverclyde Advice First.
Commenting, Stuart said:
“Fuel poverty is not just caused by low income – poor energy efficiency can also be a driver. Organisations like The Wise Group, who offer support for households in Inverclyde struggling with their energy bills or living in a cold and damp home, are therefore crucial to helping eradicate this issue.
“By working with Inverclyde Advice First, i.HEAT can help make sure you’re receiving the benefits and pensions you’re entitled to – and as well as providing general advice, the team can provide a more in-depth, tailored energy advocacy service. This could mean helping you get the best out of your heating system, help you read your meter effectively and help you get a better deal from your current supplier, or switch if necessary.
“What’s more, i.HEAT can also help agree on budget plans, ensuring that any outstanding balance is repaid, and act on your behalf with energy suppliers to resolve energy issues, regardless of how long it takes.
“I’m grateful to i.HEAT for the service they deliver, offering free, impactful and impartial energy advice to local households in need of assistance. I’d encourage anyone looking to reduce fuel bills to better understand their energy use to contact the team on 0800 092 9002 or via their online contact form.”
Jim Percival, The Wise Group’s Energy Advice and Advocacy Project Lead, added:
“I welcomed the opportunity to meet with Stuart and highlight The Wise Group’s services, particularly i.HEAT.
“By offering home energy advice and support to people across Scotland, customers are able to reduce their costs, improve their energy efficiency and learn hints and tips on how best to use their home energy. Our advisors can also look into any available funding, such as the Warm Home Discount and offer our expert support to anyone with repayment of outstanding energy debt.
“Anyone with prepayment meters in their home who are worried about credit running low, or indeed have already ran out of credit, can also speak to our team for expert advice and support – our services are open to anyone who needs the help.
“Due to COVID-19 we’ve been unable to carry out home visits, but we’ve continued to support people during the pandemic by staying open to help anyone in need at this time.”
