McMillan Welcomes Action to Combat Fuel Poverty

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) and Member of the Scottish Parliament Energy Committee has today (Monday) welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government that 200,000 homes across Scotland will be offered free help to save on energy bills.

Over the next year, the £12.5 million Universal Home Insulation Scheme (UHIS) will be administered by local authorities to offer a range of free home insulation measures to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty.

Mr McMillan said;

“I’m pleased to learn the Scottish Government continues to take the issue of fuel poverty very seriously and this funding announcement further demonstrates that commitment.

“With the onset of winter just round the corner, now more than ever, we need to offer support and immediate assistance to those most in need to help them heat their homes and stay energy efficient.

“Therefore, I welcome the Universal Home Insulation funding of £ 175,000 for West Dunbartonshire.”

Home Energy Hotline Extends Hours

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed news that the Scottish Government's Home Energy Hotline is now open weekdays from 8am until 8pm and on Saturday between 9am and 5pm.

The Hotline to help households winter-proof their homes will be operating an extended hours service while the country remains in the grip of the biggest snow fall for over 40 years.

An army of energy doctors have been delivering advice on how to keep homes warm, avoid frozen pipes and lower fuel bills to 1,500 callers a day since weather conditions deteriorated.

Mr. McMillan said;

"It is imperative to ensure people are getting the best help and advice possible just now.

"We don't really know how long this cold spell will last so it is important that people are able to make decisions about snow-proofing their homes now.

"As well as getting practical advice, households in Inverclyde can find out if they qualify for free or discounted insulation, more efficient heating, draught-proofing devices, cheaper fuel prices from existing suppliers and help to claim full pension and tax credit support.

"The aim is to make sure people are getting absolutely the best help and advice to keep their homes warm without paying a fortune. An average saving of around £100 a year can be made by switching energy supplier, while many can save with their existing supplier just by changing tariff or paying by direct debit."

The team are in place and willing to help on 0800 512 012 or http://www.homeenergyscotland.gov.uk/.

Notes

Home Energy Scotland is the one stop shop from the Scottish Government, offering information on all Scottish Government home energy initiatives and help and expert advice on how to save energy and money in the home.

The Scottish Government has activated its Ready Winter section of the Scottish Government website which contains practical advice and simple steps for people including weather and travel advice http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/public-safety/ready-scotland

For more information about Consumer Focus Scotland's Energy Best Deal Scotland campaign and benefits from switching tariff or supplier, visit http://www.consumerfocus-scotland.org.uk/

McMillan Welcomes Scottish Government Energy Consultation

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) and Member of the Scottish Parliament Energy Committee has today (Tuesday) welcomed the publication of the Scottish Government's energy consultation.

The document titled Securing the Benefits of Scotland's Next Energy Revolution is consulting on how the development of renewable and low carbon energy can be supported, while ensuring that Scotland and its local communities enjoy long-term returns from the assets on their door step.

Mr McMillan said;

"This consultation document encourages local communities and organisations to make their views known, to the Scottish Government, on how the renewables revolution can benefit the local economy and wider afield.

"Here in Inverclyde we have great potential to tap into the renewables sector and create employment opportunities. I know Riverside Inverclyde are working hard to harness this potential and bring much needed employment to the area.

"It is only right that a country with plentiful natural resources such as Scotland seeks to ensure that its people benefit through a sustainable and lasting legacy.

"Therefore, I hope people will respond to the Scottish Government's consultation and make their views known about Scotland's long-term sustainable energy prospects."

Notes;

Background

The consultation Securing the Benefits of Scotland's Next Energy Revolution can be accessed online at: www.scotland.gov.uk/Consultations/Current

Scotland is estimated to have around a quarter of Europe's offshore wind and tidal resource, 10 per cent of European wave energy potential and the EU's largest capacity for offshore storage of carbon dioxide.

The Crown Estate Commissioners in Scotland manage the sea bed up to 12 miles from shore as well as the foreshore and some on-land assets. Their activities are the responsibility of UK Government and, as such, are not accountable to Scottish Ministers or the Scottish Parliament.

The Scottish Government is aiming for 80 per cent of the demand for Scottish electricity to be supplied from renewable sources by 2020, with an interim milestone of 31 per cent by 2011. Find out more at: http://www.blogger.com/www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/Action

McMillan Urges East Dunbartonshire to Enter EAS EnergySavers Award 2010

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Tuesday) encouraged East Dunbartonshire groups to enter Energy Action Scotland's (EAS) EnergySavers Award 2010.

Local energy-saving initiatives in Scotland can win £1,500 in the EAS EnergySavers Award.

Entries can be made by a range of groups including community and voluntary organisations, Energy Assistance Package registered installers, local authorities, housing associations, health bodies and individuals or organisations involved in energy efficiency issues.

Mr McMillan said;

"The EnergySavers Award 2010 is a great opportunity for individuals and organisations in East Dunbartonshire to apply for the prize of £1,500 which can be used to improve energy efficiency or to make energy savings in the home.

"The award recognises excellence in local energy-saving initiatives which tackle fuel poverty and improve domestic energy efficiency.

"Therefore, I hope individuals and organisations in East Dunbartonshire will complete the entry form and win the prize.

"My office is more than happy to provide further information about the award and can be contacted at 0141 889 9519."

Details of how to enter are on the EAS website - http://www.eas.org.uk/

Entries must be submitted on an entry form, available by emailing christine.mcarthur@eas.org.uk or on http://www.eas.org.uk/

The closing date is Friday 1st October 2010.

McMillan Comments on Energy Assistance Package

Stuart McMillan MSP, (West of Scotland, SNP) has today hit out at comments attributed to Duncan McNeil MSP in relation to Scotland's new Energy Assistance Package and related central heating installations in Inverclyde.

Commenting further Mr McMillan said;

"Labour are using figures for calls to the Scottish Government's ground breaking Energy Assistance Package helpline as being the same as applying for a free central heating system. This is plain wrong, a total abuse of statistics and is yet another Labour dodgy dossier. If Mr McNeil does not understand the distinction between calling a helpline and applying for a central heating system it is rather embarrassing for him.

"I am surprised Labour want to compare central heating installations under the old Labour Scottish Executive and the current SNP Scottish Government. The SNP record is far better. The Scottish Government are installing far more systems than Labour. In both 2007/8 and 2008/9 the Scottish Government installed more systems than in any single year under Labour. That has meant installing or upgrading 33,937 heating systems in private housing. In 2008-2009, waiting lists for central heating systems actually fell by more than 40 per cent.

"The SNP Government's Energy Assistance package is therefore delivering record installations but also offers far more than it ever did under Labour. The SNP Government extended the central heating scheme to include those in inefficient homes with children under 5 or disabled children under 16.

"We are also extending this further to households on certain benefits with children under 16, and to people with certain long term conditions.

"The Energy Assistance Package also offers a range of additional support such as benefits checks for those calling to ensure they get all the money they are entitled to, and it also works with energy suppliers to get a cheaper, lower tariff for those categorised as fuel poor. This has led to nearly 10,000 people saving £1.6m thanks to the benefits checks an increase in pensioner income by on average £26 a week and families with children have been helped to claim an extra £42 a week on average."

(1) Table 1.1 shows Council population. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/03/24121531/1
(2) Link shows installations by Local Authority area
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/default.aspx?pq=S3W-32144
(3) Scottish Government release on benefits checks from EAP
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2010/03/18135909

McMillan Backs Committee Energy Report

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Tuesday) backed the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee report which supports the Scottish Government’s plans for Scotland to build a clean, green and renewable energy future.

Mr. McMillan also calls for the UK Government to release £150 million of potential investment in Scotland’s energy future.

The report also calls for action to tackle fuel poverty, to increase energy efficiency and to increase renewable energy production, creating thousands of green energy jobs.

Mr. McMillan said;

"There is no desire for new nuclear energy in Scotland and a real enthusiasm for building a clean, green future with new technologies putting Scotland at the forefront of a European energy revolution is much more welcome.

"This year long inquiry sets a clear path for Scotland’s energy future and supports the Scottish Government’s ambition of building a sustainable economy for Scotland.

"As the Scottish Government leads the way it is essential that the UK Government ends it’s lobbying for new nuclear and instead takes effective action to support Scotland’s ambition by releasing the £150 million of fossil fuel levy locked in a London bank account for investment in Scotland’s green future.

"With Scotland on course to surpass the target of 31% of electricity from renewable energy by 2011 and aiming for 50% by 2050 we are already making strides toward this green goal, and to creating 16,000 green energy jobs over the next decade.

"Alongside Scotland’s world leading Climate Change legislation we must now lead the world on action to cut and clean up our carbon use".

McMillan Welcomes Economic Benefits of Energy

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) and Member of the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee has welcomed the publication of a report by the Scottish Government which shows the jobs potential from investment in the energy and renewables sector can make a significant contribution to Scotland's economic recovery.

Mr McMillan said;

"I believe Scotland has what it takes to lead the way in creating jobs in clean, green energy and the Scottish Government is driving this initiative forward.

"I was pleased to note that employment in the energy sector has risen dramatically and I hope this trend will continue.

"Investment in the energy and renewables sector will not only be beneficial to the Scottish climate but also offer much needed jobs during these difficult economic times."

McMillan Welcomes Scottish Government’s Energy Assistance Package

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) and member of the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee has welcomed the Scottish Government’s Energy Assistance package.

The package is backed by £60 million of funding and will see efforts to tackle fuel poverty focussed on those that need it most in Inverclyde – expanding the scheme from simply covering pensioners to supporting families with young children.
The package offers help with central heating and insulation, free benefit and tax credit checks to boost incomes and tariff checks to ensure people are paying the correct amounts on their bill.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I am pleased to see the SNP Government is continuing to lead the way in tackling fuel poverty.

"The new Energy Assistance Package delivers the right kind of support to those who need it most and will make sure those facing fuel poverty in Inverclyde have access to the benefits, tariffs and help with the installation of central heating or insulation where it is needed.

"Energy company’s contributions to tackling fuel poverty are welcome but they could go further. Energy prices increased by 40% in the last year but are only now falling by 4%.

"Similarly the UK Government must adopt OFGEM’s recommendation that energy companies should stop penalising customers based on their method of payment.

"Previous schemes missed many of those who struggled to pay their bills and left some, particularly those with young children, in fuel poverty.

"This is real help for people in Inverclyde. Anyone who is struggling to pay their bills, or unable to heat their house should speak to Energy Savings Scotland, to Citizen’s Advice or to their energy company for help and support".

McMillan Encourages Constituents to Challenge Energy Companies Over Payments

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) and member of the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee is encouraging consumers in Inverclyde to challenge energy suppliers over direct debit arrangements.

An OFGEM review has followed complaints by customers late last year about significant increases in amounts they were being asked to pay and has recommended that energy suppliers must be more transparent about direct debit payments.

Following publication of the review Mr. McMillan said;

"Action to ensure companies provide greater clarity for those paying by direct debit is a welcome step forward for people in Inverclyde.

"There have been long-standing complaints about the way payments are increased without proper warning and the new regulations should help consumers know where they stand.

"There has been a real need for changes to make it easier for customers to know when charges are being increased and give them an opportunity to challenge them.

"No one should just accept the new monthly payments being sought if they think they are too high. It has to be asked why when prices are currently supposed to be falling, that companies are still seeking increases in direct debit payments.

"I would, therefore, encourage anyone in Inverclyde receiving such a demand just now to challenge it".