Energy

Energy Support Grant

An Energy Support Grant is available now for North Ayrshire residents who are struggling to pay their home energy bills. As we continue to navigate our way through the Cost-of-Living Crisis, North Ayrshire Council’s Energy Smart programme aims to support residents with both financial and practical assistance.

The Energy Support Grant is part of the Energy Smart scheme, and the grant offers payments of up to £500 to residents who: - are struggling to pay energy bills - are at risk of being cut off - have a gross household income of less than £29,894 and are not in receipt of benefits, due to the availability of the Scottish Welfare Fund. For info click here: Energy Support Grant

LemonAid

LemonAid is a volunteer-led community group that supports residents with the challenges of rising energy costs. The group offers practical advice on saving energy at home, helps people understand their bills, and signposts them to available grants and funding schemes. LemonAid also provides a friendly space where people can share concerns, get tips, and feel supported through difficult times. Their goal is to ensure that everyone has access to the information and help they need to stay warm, well, and financially secure.

Lemon Aid from Citrus Energy can provide financial assistance for people who require assistance with their energy costs.

Referrals for fuel vouchers should be emailed to vouchers@chaltd.org this mailbox is manned daily and if submitted before 3pm the client will receive the voucher same day.

Debt referrals should be emailed to lemonaidref@chaltd.org

Help with Energy Bills and Support in Scotland

There is a wide range of support available for households in Scotland who are struggling with energy costs. The help you can get depends on how you pay for your energy, the type of energy you use, and whether you receive benefits.

Available Support Includes:

• Fuel Vouchers: For those who cannot afford to top up their prepayment meter. These can be used at PayPoint, Payzone, or Post Offices.

• Warm Home Discount: £150 off electricity bills or added to prepayment meters for eligible households. The scheme reopens in October 2025.

• Winter Heating Payment: An annual payment to help with winter fuel bills. Eligibility is automatic if you receive certain benefits.

• Child Winter Heating Payment: £255.80 paid annually to households with eligible disabled children or young people under 19.

• Pension Age Winter Heating Payment: £101.70–£305.10 annually for those over State Pension age.

• Grants for Energy Debt: Some suppliers and charitable trusts offer grants to help pay off arrears.

• Home Energy Efficiency Funding: Grants and schemes may be available to improve insulation, heating systems, and reduce energy use.

• Priority Services Register: Free extra support from energy suppliers for people who are of State Pension age, disabled, or considered vulnerable.

For advice, applications, and help finding local support, click here.

Grants

Citizens Advice also offers a advice on Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills. Click here for more information.

The Wise Group

The Wise Group provides home energy advice to people across the UK, helping them to heat their homes at a cost they can afford.  Through our support, customers are able to reduce their costs, improve their energy efficiency and learn hints and tips on how best to use their home energy.  Click here for more information.

Priority Services Register (PSR): Tailored Support for Vulnerable Residents

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service offered by energy and water companies to provide extra support to individuals who may need additional assistance due to specific circumstances. This service is available across the UK, including Scotland, and is designed to ensure that those who are vulnerable receive the necessary help during emergencies, planned maintenance, or in their day-to-day interactions with utility providers.

Who is eligible for the PSR?

You may qualify for the PSR if you:

• Are over 60 years old
• Have children under 5 years old
• Are pregnant
• Have a disability or long-term health condition
• Have a mental health condition
• Are recovering from an injury or recent hospital stay
• Have communication or accessibility needs (e.g., difficulty reading or understanding English)
• Use medical equipment that requires a constant power supply
• Have a hearing or visual impairment
• Would struggle to access your meter or answer the door in an emergency

If you are uncertain about your eligibility, it's advisable to contact your energy or water supplier directly to discuss your situation.

Benefits of being on the PSR

Once registered, you can receive:

• Advance notice of planned power cuts or water supply interruptions
• Priority support during emergencies
• Assistance with meter readings
• Bills in accessible formats (e.g., large print, braille, audio)
• The option to nominate someone to manage your account on your behalf
• A password scheme for visits from utility staff to verify their identity
• Support for medical equipment that relies on a continuous power supply
• Help with moving or accessing your meter

These services are tailored to meet individual needs, ensuring that vulnerable customers receive the appropriate support.

How to register

To join the PSR, you need to contact each of your utility providers directly. This includes your energy supplier, electricity and gas network operators, and water supplier. You can register by phone, online, or in writing. If you are unsure who your suppliers are, you can use the  tools: Find My Supplier

For more information or to register, visit the Priority Services Register website, or contact your utility provider directly.