New Energy Advice Service for Dumfries and Galloway

A new service has been launched for people living in Dumfries & Galloway at an event in Dumfries.  The South West Energy Saving Scotland advice centre will provide an impartial, free advice service to individuals, businesses and other organisations on cutting fuel bills and being more energy efficient.

The event was attended by Patsy Gilroy, Convenor of Dumfries & Galloway Council, several local councillors for Dumfries & Galloway, council staff and organisations such as Business Gateway and Dumfries & Galloway Elderly Forum.

The Energy Saving Scotland advice network has five centres across Scotland offering a full range of advice services including energy efficiency advice to individual householders and small businesses.  In addition to energy efficiency the service also provides advice on transport and small scale renewable energy technology, such as wind turbines and solar panels.  Small businesses may be eligible for free on site energy surveys and interest free loans for energy saving equipment and measures.  The ultimate aim for the centre is to cut carbon emissions, which is the main greenhouse gas causing climate change.

Bob Baillie, advice centre manager said, “There’s a great concern about energy bills and confusion over the variety of organisations offering support and products to help people.  We are a one-stop shop and look forward to giving independent advice to individuals and businesses in Dumfries & Galloway.”

The new advice centre, funded by the Scottish Government and managed by the Energy Saving Trust, will act as a single gateway to access the wide range of services available.

Director of the Energy Saving Trust, Mike Thornton added, “The new Energy Saving Scotland advice network, funded by the Scottish Government and managed by the Energy Saving Trust, is a key building block in meeting ambitious Scottish climate change targets.  The network will provide advice and support to hundreds of thousands of Scots each year on energy efficiency, renewables and sustainable transport – helping them save energy, carbon and money.  We are looking forward to working in partnership with the Energy Agency to deliver this important new service.”

To contact your local Energy Saving Scotland advice centre call 0800 512 012 or visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk