Energy provider’ s isles visit

Energy supplier Utilita is planning to spend two days in the Western Isles to help residents beat the rise in energy bills.

A team of experts from the supplier are expected to journey to the islands at the end of September to help residents use less energy and save money.

Many islanders rely on heating oil for their homes, which is not subject to the energy price cap and so the price has soared.

The team at Utilita will be offering money-saving advice and energy-saving tips to beat the price surge this winter.

The initiative is led by Fiona Pallister, senior partnerships manager at Utilita. She has previous experience working with organisations across remote areas of Scotland, helping tackle issues like weather and poorly insulated housing.

She said: “We are passionate about highlighting the extra support needed due to geographical differences and the importance of reaching out to these communities to listen to their concerns while offering practical ways to save money on their bills.”

The team will set up at Stornoway Town Hall on Sunday September 29, joining forces with the Hebridean Housing Partnership to host a tenant engagement day.

A mobile hub will also travel to more remote areas of the islands engaging with residents.

Bill Bullen, Utilita’s chief executive, said: “There are no two ways around it – times are tough and households are facing real hardship.

“Our UK-wide energy hubs have been a huge hit with people coming in to get practical advice on how to cut their energy costs – but we completely sympathise that some communities can feel as if they are out of sight, out of mind when it comes to their provider.

“This will build on our already strong links across the islands, where we now have a dedicated engineer.”

This will build on our already strong links across the islands

ADVICE: Utilita’s mobile hub will travel to remote parts of the Western Isles.