OREANDA-NEWS. More than 4 million pounds of support has gone to help some of the most vulnerable people in Dundee thanks to an innovative partnership between the council and energy company SSE.

Since 2011 Dundee City Council’s energy advice team and SSE, also known as Scottish Hydro, have provided financial backing, help and advice to people living with a disability, suffering long term illness, older people and those on a low income.

Explaining the importance of the partnership Annette Sloan, SSE’s Priority Services and Partnerships Co-ordinator, said: “Our long running and key partnership with Dundee Energy Efficiency Advice Project (DEEAP) helps us identify customers who may be experiencing difficulties and we work together to provide them with additional support.

“Understandably many customers may not tell us they have lost their job, been diagnosed with a long term illness or that they are on a low income. They may prefer not to speak to us about their situation, which could include mounting energy debts, and therefore it’s difficult for us to help them, which is why our partnership with DEEAP is essential.

“DEEAP is well respected in the community and meets with many people in the city to provide energy efficiency advice and support on a daily basis. Therefore it makes sense for them to help get the message across about the range of assistance we can give our customers.”

John Alexander, convener of Dundee City Council’s housing committee said: “We are committed to reducing the level of fuel poverty faced by many people who live in our communities. Our partnership with SSE helps some of the most vulnerable heat their homes at a price they can afford.

“The initiative has already brought a number of tangible benefits to families but the hard work continues and we are currently exploring other ways that we can help to further reduce levels of fuel poverty.”  

SSE and Dundee Energy Efficiency Advice Project (DEEAP) joined forces three years ago to provide financial credits towards fuel bills, debt relief, free energy efficiency appliances and benefit entitlement checks – all part of SSE’s Warm Home Discount package of support.

DEEAP helps people in Dundee to improve energy efficiency in their homes by providing free and impartial advice tailored to an individual’s needs through home visits, tips on energy saving, insulation and draught proofing as well as help to complete application forms for additional support from government agencies or their energy supplier.

With the on-set of winter the campaign is currently focusing its efforts on a number of SSE customers in Dundee explaining the range of help available.  

SSE has provided more than 1 million rebates and other forms of assistance in Great Britain over the past three years through the Warm Home Discount and is expected to help at least 300,000 more customers this year.

Anyone worried about their fuel bills they can contact DEEAP on 01382 434840 or if they are an SSE Scottish Hydro customer call 0800 980 8831.