The Scottish Emergency Heating Oil Scheme has been extended into winter, with more than 6,700 payments already made to help low-income households with the cost of heating oil and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG).
The scheme was originally launched on April 1 for six months to support households facing higher fuel costs. The Scottish Government has now confirmed it will continue beyond that period because heating oil and LPG prices remain volatile.
Eligible households can continue applying for help over the colder months and beyond. The support is particularly important for people in rural and island communities who do not use mains gas to heat their homes.
Who can get help with heating costs
The scheme is targeted at low-income households, including those receiving means-tested benefits, but people do not necessarily need to be receiving a qualifying benefit to get help. It is also open to households experiencing financial hardship and at risk of rationing their fuel where they have unavoidable heating needs.
It is administered by Advice Direct Scotland and, where possible, payments are made directly to fuel suppliers to help qualifying households place an order. Applications can be made through the Home Heating Advice service run by Advice Direct Scotland.
Around seven per cent of Scottish households rely on oil or LPG. An estimated 142,000 households use heating oil, while around 27,000 use LPG.
Why the scheme has been extended
The Scottish Government said the scheme was initially introduced following increases in heating oil and LPG prices driven by instability in the Middle East. While prices have since fallen from their March peak, ministers said continuing international uncertainty means further increases cannot be ruled out over the winter.
Energy Minister Stephen Gethins said: "More than 6,700 payments have been made since the Scottish Government launched this scheme to ensure households with the greatest need could meet the cost of keeping their homes warm.
"While prices have fallen since the peak in March, ongoing international uncertainty means further increases cannot be ruled out this winter. That is why we are extending the scheme so eligible households can still apply for support if prices remain high over the colder months to come.
"But providing support with fuel costs is only part of the picture. Improving a home's energy efficiency or switching to a cleaner heating system can help people lower their energy bills for years to come, as well as making homes warmer and more comfortable.
"Whether you are a tenant or a homeowner, now is the perfect time to speak with Home Energy Scotland's expert advisers, who can provide free, impartial advice on the grants, loans and support available to help households reduce their energy use and cut costs."
Extra help with energy bills
Households using heating oil or LPG are also being encouraged to contact Home Energy Scotland for advice about reducing energy bills and making their homes more energy efficient. The Scottish Government-funded service can provide information on available grants, loans and other support for home improvements.
Beth Mukushi, head of programme delivery at Home Energy Scotland, said: "As the Scottish Government-funded energy advice service, we speak to people in rural homes every day who are looking to make their homes warmer and more energy efficient.
"They may be in off-gas areas, worried about rising energy costs or are in an older property and don't know where to start. That can sometimes feel overwhelming; but we can help.
"Home Energy Scotland's expert advisors are here to provide free and impartial advice, helping people with practical ways to reduce their energy use, cut bills and access funding and support for home improvements that can make a lasting difference to their homes and comfort."
