Policy & Research
Energy and Environment
Energy Best Deal Scotland
What is energy best deal Scotland?
Where and when can I attend EBDS training?
Can you send me some information booklets, leaflets or training materials?
Who do I contact if I have further questions?
What is Energy Best Deal Scotland?
Energy Best Deal Scotland is a partnership project which aims to help vulnerable, disadvantaged and low income consumers reduce their gas and electricity costs. Providing training for frontline advisers who work with these clients on a daily basis is the main way in which this is done.
Why has EBDS been developed?
Rates of fuel poverty in Scotland have risen in recent years, largely as a result of increasing energy costs. Further price rises are likely in future.
Consumers can lessen the impact of price rises by:
- finding a better deal by switching to a cheaper tariff or supplier
- reducing costs by adopting energy efficient behaviours
- accessing appropriate assistance to put in place longer term energy efficiency measures
Consumers who are most at risk of fuel poverty are less likely to take action to manage their energy costs without assistance from people they trust (see this page for more information). EBDS therefore provides training to advisers who are best placed to assist individual consumers. The training covers all of the above areas in addition to background trends in energy markets. It also covers assistance available to advisers dealing with other energy issues such as complaints about bills, metering or debt.
In 2010-11, EBDS provided in-depth training on energy issues for over 325 advisers who work for Citizens Advice Bureaux, Local Authorities, Housing Associations and charities across Scotland. An evaluation of the programme suggested that these advisers have since helped up to 5700 consumers save as much as £471,000 on their energy bills.
The campaign also provides information directly to the public to raise awareness and empower people to find out more about the potential savings that can be made by switching. You can read more about the background to the campaign and about the positive impacts we have had so far here.
Where and when can I attend EBDS training?
We have the following open access courses coming up across Scotland. If you would like to attend, please contact Rose-Ann Porteous on 0141 226 3064 or rose-ann.porteous@eas.org.uk
| 25 January | Fort William |
| 15 February | Beauly NHS |
| 16 February | West Kilbride |
| 23 February | Greenock |
If none of the forthcoming events are convenient for you, we can log your details and then let you know if something comes up nearby.
Alternately, if you would prefer to organise a session for your colleagues, we will provide staff to deliver the training. The sessions are free of charge. There is no cost for attending, or for our staff. We may also be able to help with additional costs like travel expenses for volunteers. The training can be adapted to your needs and takes no more than 3 hours.
If you would like to find out more about upcoming sessions, of if you want to discuss arranging a session in your area, please email the campaign or call 0141 226 5261.
Can you send me some information booklets, leaflets or training materials?
We have a range information materials which can help both consumers and advisors with switching tariff or supplier. These can be downloaded using the links below.
For consumers:
If you are seeking information on switching tariff or supplier, you might find our Guide to Energy Switching useful.
If you want to compare your current deal to some of the alternatives then you can use the websites that have been approved by the Consumer Focus Confidence Code.
If you need further support with switching you can call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. They can provide advice and contact numbers for the price comparison services. They can also send you a Consumer Focus price comparison fact sheet.
For advisers:
We have also produced a short Guide for advisers which gives more details on advising clients on switching and other energy issues. You can also download information about the assistance that consumer Focus provides to vulnerable consumers and their agents.
If you have attended the training, or if you would like to learn informally about providing switching advice to your clients, you may wish to use our e-learning tool. It will be available on CD-ROM from September 2011. If you would like to request copies of the CD-ROM, please enter your details in the form below. We can send out a limited number free of charge.
This Poster can be used to promote the campaign to your clients.
Who do I contact if I have further questions?
If you are seeking further information please email the campaign or call 0141 226 5261.