A new scheme is being trialed by charity Fuel Bank Foundation and the Scottish Government to provide funds to heat off-grid homes in an emergency.
According to the latest statistics from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) there are estimated to be slightly more than 373,000 households not connected to the gas grid in Scotland. This equates to 15 per cent of homes.
By comparison 3.4 million (14 per cent) of English homes and 19 per cent of homes in Wales (274,778) are also estimated to be off-grid, including those relying on solid fuels.
Unlike electricity and mains gas supply, which are regulated and offer consumers a level of price and supply protection, the solid fuel market is currently unregulated, leaving consumers exposed to higher fuel costs, with oil prices fluctuating on a daily basis.
Fuel Bank Foundation said a single delivery of oil and gas can also cost £300 minimum.
The charity has been awarded £444,500 from the Scottish Government’s £7 million Winter Support Programme which it will use to help off-grid homes fund their heating in emergencies. Through the new fund eligible households such as those unable to fuel their heating or imminently at risk of running out of fuel can apply for an emergency delivery.
It will also be used to help households with pre-payment gas and electricity meters.
If the pilot is successful, Fuel Bank Foundation aims to roll out the scheme across England and Wales.
Matthew Cole, Fuel Bank Foundation chair of trustees, said: “Consumers who are off the gas grid and rely on heating oil or LPG have to pre-pay in advance for a bulk delivery of fuel, which can be expensive. As a result, people already struggling financially are more likely to ration or put off refilling their gas or oil tank, leaving them without heat and hot water and cooking capability.
“Until now, support for households that are off supply has been very limited. The heat fund addresses this issue and until proper regulation is introduced for the solid fuel market provides a lifeline for vulnerable consumers.”