Southside Housing Association are set launch a new Energy Advice Project funded through the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme www.energyredress.org.uk.
The project will provide two Energy Advisers for 2 years. The award of £178k includes 400 pre-payment meter fuel vouchers that will be ringfenced for this project. The Energy Advisers will provide a service to four housing associations including Southside, New Gorbals, Cathcart & District, & Craigdale Housing Associations and the Glasgow Care & Repair service. 
The project will provide direct support to 1100 vulnerable and excluded households and facilitate access to this and other fuel support services for those currently underrepresented. Paul McVey, CEO at Southside Housing Association said, “To be able to provide continued support to our most vulnerable tenants over the next two years is great news. The cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, and we now have funding to address at least some of that.
Our Welfare Rights Team aim to assist to reduce fuel poverty, fuel debt, promote digital and financial inclusion, and financial resilience and this is an excellent addition to the work they do.” The new service will educate clients to understand their utility bills, advise on the most efficient way to use their heating systems and identify other energy efficiency measures that will assist to cut costs and keep their home warm.
The Energy Advisers will work closely with the existing Welfare Rights & Money Advice teams to facilitate access to support with debt, benefits, and other community support services, ensuring a holistic person-centred approach for all clients.