Practical help to cut fuel bills on offer as project rolls out

Energy advisers will pop up in primary schools in one of Fife’s poorest areas in a bid to haul people out of fuel poverty.

A team from environmental charity Greener Kirkcaldy will set up hubs in a number of key areas in Methil and Buckhaven to offer face-to-face help for those trapped into paying the highest tariffs for heating and lighting.

Other charities, churches and frontline workers from the police, housing and social work services will be actively encouraged to refer anyone who may benefit from the advice.

The move is an extension of a previous project in an area of Buckhaven where many people were found to be spending a considerable portion of their income on fuel.

Greener Kirkcaldy is now building on the success of the initiative by rolling it out to other parts of Levenmouth, and Fife Council has agreed to allocate up to £20,000 to help it continue the intervention.

Trained energy advisers will also carry out home visits where they will offer tips on saving energy.

In addition, the charity’s handy service will give practical help by providing thermal curtains, energy-saving light bulbs, radiator insulation panels, draught excluders, energy-efficient room heaters and microwaves.

SNP councillor Ken Caldwell, convener of the council’s Levenmouth area committee, hailed the initiative as a positive way forward for many people.

“This sort of community-aimed project is exactly what the local community plan budget is for,” he said.

“Helping struggling members of our community to break out of fuel poverty is essential if we want to achieve a fairer Fife.

“Ensuring people are not trapped into paying the highest tariffs for fuel and that their home is as fuel efficient as possible will go some way to ensuring their outgoings for heating and lighting does not take up such a considerable proportion of their weekly or monthly disposable income.”