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Big Energy Saving Month 2021

Big Energy Saving Month launches on Monday 11 January and will run for three weeks at a national level until Sunday 31 January. The national campaign aims to help people cut their energy bills and get the financial support they are entitled to.

We are giving people the power to save time, money and energy through everyday actions. The campaign raises public awareness of how simple changes such as switching energy supplier or tariff, accessing discounts or grants and making homes more energy efficient can make a big difference.

Let’s Save Your Energy

Giving you the power to save time, money and energy. You can get advice on your energy issues on our public advice site by accessing the links below. 

Save time: 

Energy bills can be a big concern for households across Scotland but you could save money on your fuel bill by checking you're not paying more than you need for you energy. 

Check you're getting the best deal from your current supplier, switching isn't the only way to get a better deal. 

Make sure you're getting all the benefits and help you're entitled to. If you're struggling to pay your energy bills, or simply want to make sure you're getting all the financial help you're entitled to, your local Citizens Advice Bureau can help you check that you're not missing out on any benefits. You can also call the Money Talk Team helpline on 0800 085 7145.

Save money: 

Many people stay on the same tariff or with the same energy supplier for a number of years, without realising they could be getting a better deal elsewhere. By switching supplier or tariff you could save hundreds of pounds. 

Check whether you could save money with the Citizens Advice energy price comparison tool. It's free, uses a full market comparison and is totally independent. 

Get advice on switching energy supplier and understanding your energy tariff. 

For some, switching isn't simple or it isn't possible due to your energy tariff. If you live in a home with electric-only heating and you're stuck with your existing tariff or supplier or you're looking for practical ways to lower your costs, you can get advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau. You can contact Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 for advice on getting the most out of your electric heating system.

Save energy: 

The best way to pay less for your fuel is simply to save energy around your home. This doesn't mean going without - you can waste less by being energy efficient. 

You can contact Home Energy Scotland for free and impartial advice on how you can make your home more energy efficient, call 0808 808 2282.

Big Energy Saving Month co-design in Scotland 

Citizens Advice Scotland has undertaken a co-design project with three Citizens Advice Bureaux across the country, to ensure the call to action and messaging reflects local need. This has built on the campaign creative from 2020, gaining feedback from bureaux about additional developments to make. We worked with three bureaux who delivered a digital focus group in their local community, with a focus on a distinct energy consumer profile, developing a local model for campaign delivery.

We have developed a range of energy profiles as part of this campaign:

  • You are struggling to pay your bills
  • You are switching off the heat to save money
  • You have electric only heating
  • You have a pre-payment meter
  • You aren't confident managing energy costs online

Our campaign has been designed with these five key energy consumer groups at the forefront. 

Join the campaign 

Our campaign resources page has free campaign materials which can be downloaded to support you in running Big Energy Saving Month promotions and raise awareness of how people can save money on their energy bills. 

Due to the pandemic, promotions this year may have to be largely digital. We will also be encouraging bureaux to contact their local press and radio stations about the campaign and to work with other local organisations to help strengthen the campaign promotions. Working with local shops or organisations to use campaign posters or postcards is another way audiences could engage in the campaign, but this is all dependent on your local area and restrictions at the time. 

Our partners 

Citizens Advice Scotland and Home Energy Scotland are working in partnership to help people save money on their energy bills. 

Contact

If you have any questions on the campaign, please contact Barbara Adams, Senior Officer (Campaigns) barbara.adams@cas.org.uk.