Milestone reached in energy efficiency support scheme
More than 50,000 households across Scotland have received support to live in warmer, healthier homes which are more affordable to heat.
Warmer Homes Scotland, the Scottish Government’s national fuel poverty scheme provides essential insulation and heating improvements to people living in, or at risk of, fuel poverty – helping ensure that more households across Scotland can live in warmer, safer, and more energy‑efficient homes.
Since its launch in 2015, the government has invested around £400 million in the scheme, delivered by Warmworks, which has now helped over 50,000 households across Scotland.
Marking this significant milestone, First Minister John Swinney met Warmer Homes Scotland customer Sandra Owen, who received electric storage heaters through the scheme to improve the energy efficiency of her home.
The First Minister said: “Warmer Homes Scotland is central to delivering my priorities for Scotland – helping people with the cost of living and tackling poverty, by providing support to make homes warmer and more affordable to heat.
“The scheme has been hugely successful, having now supported more than 50,000 households around the country – helping reduce fuel bills and ensuring households can benefit from the necessary transition to net zero.
“It is just one example of how my government is delivering for the people of Scotland and helping them keep more money in their pockets. In our budget we are allocating over £330 million to a range of initiatives, including Warmer Homes Scotland, to help everyone install clean heat and energy efficiency measures in their homes and buildings.”
Nicola Mcleod, Warmworks Managing Director, Scotland Division, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be marking this milestone today and celebrating what the scheme has delivered for households across the country with the support of our team, our supply chain and partners.
“That’s 50,000 people and families who are now living in warmer, healthier homes and worrying less about their fuel bills. Those savings will go a long way in helping so many people in their daily lives, but with so many homes still struggling to stay affordably warm, we know there is a huge amount more still to be done.
“We’re committed to working alongside the Scottish Government to ensure that Warmer Homes Scotland continues to support as many households as possible and is able to extend its proven, lasting impact on people and communities across the country.”
Warmworks are the Managing Agent for the Scottish Government’s national fuel poverty scheme, Warmer Homes Scotland.
Scotland is in the absurd position of producing more electricity than we need, while families and firms here face some of the highest bills in Britain. Fuel poverty is rampant, reaching nearly 50% in the northernmost parts of the country, despite Scotland’s renewable capacity only set to grow, with projects like Berwick Bank expected to generate power for more households than exist in Scotland.
One practical approach is zonal pricing, setting electricity prices by geographic region so that areas with abundant local generation benefit from lower supply costs and reduced transmission costs.
In plain terms, power produced on and off Scotland’s shores should not cost Scottish households and businesses a premium once it reaches the meter.
Zonal pricing reflects local supply and demand, and recognises that the real expense lies in grid infrastructure, pylons, cabling, and reinforcement, rather than in “sending” electrons down the line.
Instead, we are currently being forced to accept a vast expansion of pylons across our land because the grid is inadequate for the volume of generation, with “curtailment” running into billions, paying wind operators to switch off while consumers still pay through the nose.
A new pylon network is planned from the north of Scotland down the east and through the Borders to supply demand further south, bringing long-term visual and environmental damage, disruption to arable land and watercourses, and little or no benefit to the communities affected.
As an ALBA Glasgow List Candidate, I, Dhruva Kumar, am calling for a fair deal, implement zonal pricing so Scots can finally share in the value of the energy we produce, cut fuel poverty in a cold country, and make Scotland competitive again for manufacturing, hospitality and the green supply chain.
If Westminster will not act, then Scotland’s councils and government should refuse consent for pylons that export our energy while leaving our people paying the price.
Fuel poverty in Scotland may be accelerating, with those under 35 particularly hard hit, according to new findings from Edinburgh-based energy efficiency social enterprise Changeworks.
The organisation’s recent survey found that half of households in Scotland (50%) say their home is not as warm as they would like or is cold. The Scottish Government estimates that around a third (34%) of households in Scotland were in fuel poverty in its latest figures – from 2023.
The survey, by 56 Degree Insight for Changeworks, also found that more than a third (37%) of Scots are extremely or very concerned about being able to afford their energy bills this winter, with concern rising to almost half of those under 35 (45%).
Stigma around fuel poverty can prevent those living in cold homes and struggling with energy bills from seeking advice and support. As a result, the issue often goes underreported, leaving those in cold households across Scotland without the help they need.
The coldness of many Scottish homes has knock-on effects for the wellbeing, work and productivity of employees, too. As a result, Changeworks is highlighting a unique opportunity for companies to engage with their staff on this issue through its Low Carbon Living sessions, as an important part of wider employee benefit and Environmental, Social and Governance provisions.
Josiah Lockhart, Chief Executive of Changeworks, said: “Fuel poverty and the inefficiency of many Scottish homes affect an increasingly wide cross-section of society.
“As part of growing efforts to tackle fuel poverty, there is now a significant opportunity for employers to engage with their people on this issue to improve wellbeing, reduce bills and ensure out-of-office working conditions support a productive workforce.
“For employers in Edinburgh and the Lothians, our practical Low Carbon Living sessions deliver free energy and money-saving advice to workplaces and community groups, online or in person.
“These sessions help to overcome the challenges identified in the latest survey, giving individuals the knowledge and support to make positive change in their homes that can benefit the environment, as well as the individual.
“Personalised support is also available to households through our free and confidential Green Energy Helpline.”
Commenting on the impact of Low Carbon Living sessions, Rob Turnbull, Sustainability Manager at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), said:“The Low Carbon Living session was highly engaging and offered practical, easy-to-implement advice on energy use, heating, and electric vehicles.
“At the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, we are committed to educating our staff and encouraging low-carbon lifestyles, and this session was a valuable contribution to that work. We would happily recommend it to other organisations.”
Professor Gary Hutchison, Chair of the Environmental Sustainability Strategy Board of Governance at Edinburgh Napier University, added: “At Edinburgh Napier, we believe that every action counts when it comes to environmental sustainability.
“By supporting our staff and students to make meaningful changes in their own lives, we’re benefiting not only ourselves, but also our local and wider community.
“Working with organisations like Changeworks allows us to inform and empower our University community and create positive change together.”
Over the last three years, Changeworks has supported 215,943 households across Scotland, helping to reduce bills and carbon emissions.
In 2024-25 alone, Changeworks and its joint venture, Warmworks’ services, saved 366,677 tonnes of carbon, equivalent to the annual carbon emissions from 655,809 UK households’ electricity use.
Scotland benefits from the strongest package of winter heating support in the UK
Over 837,000 payments have been made to people across the country to help with heating costs this winter – thanks to a unique package of support that provides more for people in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK.
More than 268,500 payments for Child Winter Heating Payment and Winter Heating Payment – support only available in Scotland – have been paid and are likely to have already landed in people’s bank accounts.
Child Winter Heating Payment supports families caring for children with the highest disability support needs and the vast majority of payments have already been made.
Winter Heating Payment is a guaranteed, annual payment for people receiving certain benefits.
This is irrespective of how cold the temperature gets outside, unlike the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Cold Weather Payment which is only paid if the average temperature reaches, or is forecast to reach, freezing or below for a full week.
Over 568,000 Pension Age Winter Heating Payments have been paid to people aged 66 and over. This has replaced the DWP Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland and is at a higher rate than elsewhere in the UK. Payments will continue to be made throughout the winter.
All Social Security Scotland winter payments are automatic with no need to apply.
Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Costs are rising and there will be many people struggling with household bills this winter.
“That’s why the Scottish Government is taking action and will deliver the strongest package of winter support than anywhere else in the UK.
“We’re providing winter help, no matter the weather and I’m pleased that over three quarters of a million payments have already been made to do just that.”
Joe Cluxton, energy coordinator at FEL, a service that provides free home energy advice to residents in the Forth Valley added: “We welcome the range of winter heating support delivered by Social Security Scotland as a means to address fuel poverty and the rising cost of heating our homes.
“The cost of living crisis may drive some to keep the heating off or too low in homes with vulnerable residents, and this is a valuable move to keep people safe through the coldest seasons.”
Keep warm in the cold weather
Heat rooms you regularly use to a comfortable temperature (at least 18°C if you can)
Research shows UK’s growing trend towards batch cooking with a third of us embracing the ‘Meal Prep’ revolution
TV personality and chef Matt Tebbutt has joined forces with ScottishPower to help families enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals this winter while saving money on their energy bills as more and more of us embrace weekend ‘meal prep’.
The partnership with the celebrity chef comes as new research commissioned by ScottishPower reveals that more than a third of us (39%) now prefer to batch cook at weekends rather than to traditionally prepare meals from scratch every evening.
This ‘Weekend Kitchen’ research commissioned by ScottishPower through Censuswide comes as more than 500,000 ScottishPower customers sign up for Half Price Weekends to pay less for their weekend electricity.
To help households make the most of the savings, Tebbutt has created a series of winter warmers and family favourites – including a rich Vegetable Tagine, spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos, and Turkey Wontons – all designed for batch cooking during the cheaper weekend energy window.
“As someone who’s often juggling a busy schedule, I know how valuable it is to meal prep,” said Matt Tebbutt.“These recipes for ScottishPower’s Half-Price Weekends are perfect for batch cooking, meaning families can enjoy delicious, comforting meals through the week while making the most of the discounted weekend hours.”
But it’s not just cooking habits that are changing. The same research found that weekend chores split opinion across the UK:
Two-thirds (66%) of Brits surveyed said that they would prefer to complete their weekend to-do list for half the price than drag chores into the next week and pay full price.
One in three (35%) Brits would rather spend an hour ironing rather than having lunch with their in‑laws.
Over half (55%) even said they’d prefer tackling the laundry to dealing with surprise guests.
Andrew Ward, Chief Executive of ScottishPower’s Customer Business, added: “Our new research shows just how much people value getting household jobs done at the weekend. That’s why Half‑Price Weekends, part of our Power Saver initiative, make it easier and cheaper for customers to cook and clean – at half the usual electricity cost.
“With these delicious recipes from Matt Tebbutt, we’re going one step further to provide batch cooking and meal prep inspiration for the week ahead. Taking the pressure off during the week, at the weekend our customers are rewarded with time and savings on their electricity while helping us balance demands on the grid.”
Best known for hosting several TV cookery shows, Matt’s approachable style and love of hearty, seasonal dishes make him the perfect partner for ScottishPower’s ‘Weekend Kitchen’ winter energy-saving push, featuring a range of recipes and top tips to help households maximise their time and money.
By signing up to ScottishPower’s Half-Price Weekends, households can tackle weekend tasks while paying just half the standard electricity unit rate every Saturday and Sunday, between 11am and 4pm.
By encouraging households to shift more of their energy use to off-peak hours, the Half-Price Weekends initiative helps balance demand on ScottishPower’s electricity grid and reduce household bills. More than 500,000 ScottishPower customers have already signed up to pay less for their weekend electricity with over £10 million collectively saved.
Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan has confirmed the Scottish Government will not introduce a Heat in Buildings Bill in the current session of the Scottish Parliament, following delays to the UK Government’s Warm Homes Plan and lack of clarity on cost of energy bills.
In a statement, Ms McAllan said she would not ask the Scottish Parliament to consider such an important Bill now with little time and without a full understanding of the UK policy context, due to several key policy levers being reserved and decisions delayed.
Ms McAllan reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to decarbonising buildings in Scotland by 2045 in a way that does not exacerbate fuel poverty, and announced additional grant support for homeowners of up to £7,500 (or up to £9,000 for households in island and remote rural areas) from December to incentivise connections to local heat networks.
The Housing Secretary also said the government intended to bring forward legislation as early as possible in the next parliamentary session, subject to the outcome of the 2026 election and clarity on the UK Government position.
A draft Buildings (Heating and Energy Performance) and Heat Networks (Scotland) Bill has been published to give clarity to households and investors on future plans for legislation.
Màiri McAllan said: “Decarbonising how we heat our homes and buildings is a vital step in our efforts to tackle climate change. We must take action and in a way that does not worsen fuel poverty. The Scottish Government is fully committed to this by 2045, as set out in our draft Climate Change Plan.
“We have always been clear that our plans depend on essential clarity from the UK Government, but repeated delays to their Warm Homes Plan have left key questions unanswered – particularly on how they intend to make the switch to clean heat more affordable by reducing the cost of electricity.
“This is critical in ensuring decarbonising homes does not exacerbate fuel poverty at a time of spiralling energy bills.
“Ultimately, it is perverse that Scottish Ministers should be in the dark about plans related to Scotland’s own energy resources. If we had all the powers of a normal country – including over our own energy resources and market – we would not be in this position.
“In the meantime, we are determined to continue to press ahead with our existing decarbonisation agenda including developing heat networks as a significant investment proposition and viable heating source for households. Therefore, I am pleased to confirm the extension of grant funding for households to connect to local district heat networks, bringing it into line with grants available to install heat pumps.”
Since 2020, the Scottish Government has allocated £1.67 billion of funding through its Heat in Buildings schemes, including over £840 million for energy efficiency and clean heat projects.
Since 2020, the Scottish Government has supported an average of 15,000 households a year to decarbonise, including those in or at risk of fuel poverty and since the launch of Warmer Homes Scotland have helped over 47,000 households across Scotland to live in warmer homes that are more affordable to heat.
A heat decarbonisation target to replace direct emission heating systems in all Scottish buildings, as far as reasonably practicable, by 2045;
A regulation-making power to set a Minimum Energy Performance Standard for owner-occupied and non-domestic buildings that use direct emission heating systems; and
Provisions to encourage the development of heat networks, including a regulation-making power to require qualifying buildings within a heat network zone to connect to the heat network, or decarbonise their heating system
Grant support will be introduced for homeowners to enable connections to heat networks through the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme.
Up to £7,500 of grant funding will now be available to homeowners, in addition to the optional £7,500 interest free loan. For those that qualify for island/remote rural uplift through the scheme, an additional £1,500 of grant funding will be available.
Gillian Campbell, Co-director at the Existing Homes Alliance, said: “This critical legislation has the potential to transform lives and communities across Scotland, cutting fuel poverty and climate emissions, whilst stimulating economic growth and job creation.
“But, creating good legislation requires proper scrutiny. As a result of repeated delays, we’re now at the stage where Parliament doesn’t have sufficient time to properly scrutinise and strengthen the Bill.
“This Bill, as currently drafted, will not drive the scale of activity needed to upgrade Scotland’s homes and meet climate change and fuel poverty targets.
“The next Scottish Government must act quickly to put the right legislation in place, and ensure time for good quality debate. In our manifesto for Holyrood 2026, we’re calling on the next Scottish Government to deliver a clear route map to warm, healthy homes by 2045. We need early sight of effective regulations, along with multi-year funding for fuel poverty and energy efficiency programmes.
“The next government must break down the barriers that prevent households, especially those in or at risk of fuel poverty, from accessing energy efficiency upgrades and clean heating. That means fully funding support for vulnerable households and providing fair financial incentives so that everyone can make the switch to clean heating with confidence
“It’s been over four years since the Heat in Buildings Strategy was published – it’s high time we started seeing action or Scotland is going to be left behind. It’s not too late – if the next Scottish Government moves swiftly to put the right building blocks in place, all of Scotland can benefit from a just transition to energy efficient homes and clean heating that leaves no-one behind and is affordable to all.”
Financial support to help pensioners heat their homes this winter has started to roll out across the country. Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will provide support to at least 880,000 pensioners to help with heating bills.
The first payments have been processed and have started to land in accounts. Payments will continue to be made throughout the winter.
Eligible people of State Pension age will get a payment between £101.70 and £305.10 depending on their circumstances. Most people will receive their payment automatically – no action is needed.
Everyone who is eligible will receive a letter with details of their payment.
For pensioners with a taxable income of over £35,000, the payment will be taken back through the tax system during 2026/27.
Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We know that energy costs are too high, and that this will affect households across Scotland this winter.
“Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will provide vital support for thousands of older people to help heat their homes and manage costs throughout the colder months.
“People over the age of 66 don’t need to do anything – in the vast majority of cases, the payment will be made automatically to help towards a warmer winter.”
Pension Age Winter Heating Payments have started and will continue throughout the winter.
The annual payment of between £101.70 and £305.10 helps people aged 66 or over with the costs of heating their homes.
The Scottish Fiscal Commission have forecast that around 1.055 million payments will be made in winter 2025-26, with the number of payments recovered estimated to be 169,000. Fiscal Update: August 2025
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment replaces Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland and will be delivered by Social Security Scotland.
Nearly a third of people still don’t seek help when struggling with bills
Almost a third (28 per cent) of people in Scotland still don’t seek professional advice or support when struggling to pay their energy bills, despite the support available.
Reasons for this include belief that they won’t qualify (34 per cent), stigma or embarrassment (31 per cent) or due to a lack of information (27 per cent)
In fact, 53 per cent agree they find it difficult to talk about struggling to pay their energy bills, rising from 33 per cent last year.
A new poll, commissioned by British Gas as part of its independent charitable trust British Gas Energy Trust (The Trust), found gas and electric costs are the most challenging for 24 per cent, followed by council tax (18 per cent) and mortgage payments (13 per cent).
It comes as British Gas and British Gas Energy Trust have partnered with the Post Office and 20 local charities to offer 120 free drop-in events across Britain over the next 12 months.
These events give people the chance to get practical, face-to-face support on budget planning, managing energy debt, applying for debt write-off grants, and accessing simple energy-saving measures to help keep homes warmer and bills lower.
Tracey Talbot, Interim Chief Executive Officer, at British Gas Energy Trust, said: “We know that managing household budgets remains a real challenge for many, with the cost of living putting pressure on people across the country. And although we’re starting to see more people coming forward to seek support, we recognise that doing so can still feel difficult.
“That’s why we’ve partnered with the Post Office and trusted local charities to bring support into communities across Britain – including Scotland. These drop-in sessions provide practical advice on budgeting, managing bills, and accessing grants, all in a friendly and approachable setting.
“Our Individuals and Families Fund and Energy Support Fund are also now open to both British Gas customers and those with other suppliers – whether you’re on a prepayment meter or a credit account. If you need support, you can find out more and apply through the British Gas Energy Trust website.
“No one should feel alone in this – and we want people to know that help is not only available, but designed to work for them, wherever they are in life.”
According to the research, for those who are willing to seek support, their first ports of call are either friends and family (38 per cent) or energy provider payment plans (29 per cent).
It also found 60 per cent believe advice from a trusted local money and energy advice charity would also make it much easier for them to get the support they need during difficult times.
With 50 per cent likely to go straight to their energy provider in this situation.
63 per cent believe there should be more Government and charity programmes to help people manage rising energy costs.
Christina King, Customer Vulnerability Manager at British Gas, said: “It’s encouraging to see more people speaking to their energy provider when they’re finding things tough. That first conversation can make a real difference and there are many ways we can help.
“Our British Gas advisors will be available at local pop-up events to offer practical, face-to-face guidance – and these sessions are just one of the ways we’re helping customers during the upcoming winter.
“We committed £140 million to help customers since 2021 with their energy bills, the biggest voluntary support package from an energy company.
“Through the British Gas Energy Trust, we’re providing access to grants, funding, and free advice services alongside additional support like matched debt repayments and non-repayable credit for those in serious difficulty.”
The next drop-in events are taking place in North Edinburgh in partnership with Citizens Advice Edinburgh at the Resource Centre on Pennywell Road on Tuesday 18th & Wednesday 19th of November from 10am – 2pm.
Social Tariff can deliver “transformational impact” on fuel poverty levels
Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan has called for urgent action from the UK Government on energy bills, as new modelling finds that around 660,000 households could see estimated fuel bills cut by an average of £700 under Scottish Government proposals for targeted discounts.
New scenario modelling on a targeted unit rate discount and targeted removal of standing charges – or Social Tariff – published today by the Scottish Government, suggest it could lift 202,000 households in Scotland out of extreme fuel poverty and reduce the number of households in fuel poverty entirely by around 135,000, with a UK Government investment of £475 million per annum.
Today’s modelling builds on the work undertaken by the Social Tariff Working Group – comprising energy suppliers, consumer and fuel poverty groups and disabled people’s organisations.
Màiri McAllan said: “In an energy-rich nation like Scotland, no one should be struggling to pay their energy bills – yet far too many people are struggling with bills still higher than they were this time last year.
“The UK Government promised to cut people’s bills by £300 – instead bills have risen by almost £200. We must see action from the UK Government now.
“Today’s evidence shows that under our proposals for targeted discounts, around 660,000 households in Scotland would see their estimated fuel bills go down by an average of £700 – with more than around 135,000 households lifted out of fuel poverty and more than 200,000 lifted out of extreme fuel poverty.
“We have worked closely with energy providers, consumer groups and others to develop these concrete, deliverable plans which would have a transformational impact on people in Scotland during the cost of living crisis.
“The UK Government is not going to reduce fuel poverty without investment – but set against the impact of fuel poverty, which research suggests costs the NHS across in England alone £1.4 billion per year, this investment is not just the right thing to do, but is a smart, preventative spend.
“High energy bills are causing misery for people throughout Scotland and I am calling for the UK Government to use the powers at their disposal and take action to support people now.
“UK ministers have been quick to tell us what they will not do to cut energy bills and reduce fuel poverty – they must now tell us what they will do.”
Frazer Scott, Chief Executive Officer, Energy Action Scotland said: “It is abundantly clear from the report published by the Scottish Government that the introduction of a social tariff or social discount would have a transformational impact on low-income fuel poor households and people with serious health conditions or disabilities.
“The current approach of a wholly inadequate payment £150 through the Warm Home Discount provided through energy suppliers is simply no longer fit for purpose.
“Energy Action Scotland urges the UK Government to introduce a social tariff or social discount of the type modelled in this report and provide meaningful support for households unable to heat and power their homes.”
David Hilferty, Director of Impact, Citizens Advice Scotland said: “Energy is one of our fastest growing advice areas across the CAB network – up 150% compared to the period before the pandemic and the twin cost of living and energy crises.A social tariff for energy is no longer a nice-to-have – it is now an essential and imperative need.”
Based on Scottish Household Condition Survey data, eligible households would receive on average a £1,000 reduction on their modelled fuel bill.
As this estimate is based on modelled fuel bills to meet the heating regimes set out in the Fuel Poverty definition in Scotland, we have also provided a calibrated cost based on DESNZ average domestic consumption data.
For the calibrated cost, the average fuel bill reduction per household is £700 and would require a UK Government investment of around £475 million per annum.
