A CAMPAIGN has this week been launched to help Wee County residents with soaring energy bills during the coldest months of the year.

Clackmannanshire Citizens Advice Bureau has joined the wider Scottish CAB network in launching the Big Energy Saving Winter campaign this week.

The initiative is to run for the next two months and will aim to help people save money by helping them in using less energy and will also provide information on grants that are available to help people who are in crisis.

The campaign comes during what has previously been described as a “perfect storm” for customers this winter with increasing energy prices, rising inflation meaning higher prices and reductions to Universal Credit.

Jonny Miller, managing director at Clacks CAB, said: “The sharp rise in energy bills this year is really going to hit a lot of people, particularly those who were already struggling with their bills.

“Around one in four households in Scotland were already in fuel poverty before this perfect storm hit.

“We know that people can feel helpless and isolated when they can’t pay their fuel bills, especially at this time of year.

“So our message in this campaign is, you don’t need to feel powerless about rising energy costs, your local CAB is here to help you.”

Support at the CAB includes helping people identify grants or benefits they may be entitled to, but do not know about.

The CAB can also talk to energy suppliers on householders' behalf to restructure any debts and see if there is any way they can help.

Advice is also available on the ways people can cut energy use, reducing bills, as well as tips on how to use prepayment meters or what to do if an energy supplier has gone out of business.

Jonny added: “The main thing to remember is that you’re not alone.

“We’re here to help you, and our advice is free, confidential and impartial.”

Clacks residents can contact the CAB on 01259 219404 between 10am and 3pm, Monday to Friday, or by emailing bureau@clackscab.casonline.org.uk.

General advice is also available at citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland while the Big Energy Saving Winter campaign website is up and running at cas.org.uk/BESW.