Bob Doris, Scottish National Party MSP for Glasgow, is at the forefront of efforts to promote energy advice for struggling consumers as winter sets in. Mr Doris invited Gary Felgate of the Energy Retail Association along with other key partners to the Scottish Parliament to present the benefits of the ERA's Glasgow-based Home Heat Helpline to fellow MSPs.

Mr Doris said:"We are urging people to contact the Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99) or www.homeheathelpline.org.uk for free advice and financial support, to make sure they are not missing out on big savings on their energy bills this winter. Advice on how to access home insulation grants, how to maximise benefits and reduce bills can make a tremendous difference, especially to those living on very limited means.
 

"The Priority Service Register, for example, offers extra assistance to the elderly and disabled but most people do not know it exists.

"Grants and benefits are going unclaimed whilst fuel poor customers continue to suffer.

"Fuel poverty in energy abundant Scotland is a disgrace and we have to find a long term solution, but for now we have to let people know that here is help out there. By simply contacting the hotline, it is estimated that eligible families could slash more than £250 from their energy bills every year. This initiative is a step in the right direction from the energy sector.

"The Scottish Government has taken the fight against fuel poverty to a whole new level with the Energy Assistance Package. However, Government alone can't be expected to solve the problem. We need other key players to engage which is why I invited all MSPs to meet industry representatives from the ERA."

Notes:

The Home Heat Helpline operates from Monday to Friday 9am-8pm and from 10am-2pm on Saturday.

The Home Heat Helpline is a free number - 0800 33 66 99 - providing vulnerable customers with a direct link to specialist teams at their energy supplier, who can deliver one or more of the following services:

1. The Priority Service Register which provides extra services for people who are elderly or disabled including bills in large text or Braille, security passwords and an annual gas safety check
   
2. Grants for free home insulation
   
3. Flexible payment options for customers in fuel debt
   
4. Benefits entitlement checks
   
5. A disconnection safety net which means that vulnerable customers will not be cut off even if they are unable to pay their bill · The Home Heat Helpline is managed by the Energy Retail Association and paid for by contributions from Britain's major energy suppliers - see below.

The Energy Retail Association (ERA), formed in 2003, represents the major electricity and gas suppliers in the domestic market in Great Britain. All the main energy suppliers operating in the residential market in Great Britain are members of the association - British Gas, EDF Energy, E.ON, npower, Scottish Power, and Scottish and Southern Energy.