When you don't have the energy...

Argyll and Bute CAB knows a thing or two about how challenging energy affordability is in a predominately
rural area where more than half of all homes are off-grid, or restricted to electric only energy. With higher costs for other essentials such as food and transport, it comes as no surprise to the local CAB to hear that the majority, 71% people polled in the West of Scotland, disagreed that it feels like the cost of living crisis is easing.

Reflecting on the winter energy campaign and the need for help and advice throughout Argyll and Bute,
local CAB manager, Jen Broadhurst said, “In times like this, help and support for people struggling has never been more necessary. We’ve heard the advice services provided by the local CAB described as an essential service.

 “People come to the local CAB worried, anxious and stressed about all sorts of energy issues. There’s hardly a day goes by when we don’t have people contact us in desperate need of help, in fact the need for crisis help doubled between October and December.

Energy prices are so high, standing charges are so high, so top-ups to pay-as-you-go meters just don’t go anywhere like as far as they used to. For people receiving energy bills, many simply can’t afford the costs now, or they can’t cover the direct debit.

There are also people who have already tried to resolve energy issues, but for one reason or another not got the resolution or help they required. Some may need a helping hand to deal with their energy supplier, the prospect of getting in touch with their supplier simply fills them with dread, especially if they have billing problems, or owe money.

Our advice goes beyond energy bills. We recently helped a client whose health prevented him from reaching his electricity meter to have his energy meter moved and recoup the cost of moving it. The energy company
wasn’t helpful and then wanted to charge £125 to move the meter to a level where the client could check usage and take meter readings. With the help of our qualified adviser, the energy company moved the meter to an accessible position and fully refunded the charge for doing so.

To make things a little easier in the future, the Adviser also got the client placed on the priority register. Last year alone Argyll and Bute CAB generated close to £1.5 million in financial gain for clients’; that’s money straight into the pockets of local people and the local economy”.

Speaking with Jen it was clear that the local CAB undertakes a vital role in the community. Jen also took the opportunity to say, “Winter is not over, the cost-of-living crisis is certainly not over and CABs’ across the country are extremely worried that the headlines may fade but the cost-of-living crisis will leave a
legacy of debt for many households.

I’d say to anyone worried about their own situation to get in touch with the local CAB, get expert advice and don’t delay asking for help. Citizens Advice is here for anyone living in Argyll and Bute; advice is free, impartial and completely confidential".

Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau

Telephone 01546 605550

For more information visit www.abcab.org.uk