Unlike telephone and internet based energy advice services that cover the area, the new service will focus on giving people free advice in their homes so that they will be more able to identify the individual circumstances of householders.
Donnie Mackay, Co-ordinator of the new service, said:
"We want to provide a service that will help people to make the changes and access the support that will lead to them having warmer homes and lower fuel bills. We believe that we can best do that by being out and about across Lochalsh and Skye, visiting people in their homes and getting an understanding of their individual situations.
We will, of course, be working closely with other organisations that offer energy advice, such as Community Energy Scotland and the Energy Saving Scotland advice centre. The advice centre will be launching a postcard marketing campaign in Skye and Lochalsh in September and people will be able to get advice from them over the phone, but they will also get the option to request a home energy visit from me or Moira."
One of the key reasons for establishing the service is the high level of fuel poverty in Lochalsh & Skye. Donnie and Moira will, therefore, be working closely with Highland Council and Citizens Advice to help people to maximise their income at the same time as reducing their fuel consumption and costs.
If you would like advice about how you might reduce your energy consumption, or perhaps have an elderly relative or neighbour who might benefit, please phone 01478 612035 and ask for Donnie Mackay or Moira Scobbie.
