A project giving free, impartial energy and debt advice in Fife is proving successful, having helped more than a thousand people so far this financial year.

The Cosy Kingdom service is available to all residents – tenants and homeowners – across Fife, Scotland. It’s a partnership between St Andrews Environmental Network, Citizens Advice & Rights Fife and Greener Kirkcaldy, which is part-funded by British Gas Energy Trust.

Since April, it has worked with around 1,000 households, supporting more than 150 of them with practical energy efficiency measures for their homes and helping to secure around £250,000 in financial gains from participants so far.

Michael Hildrew, Energy Advice Team Manager at Cosy Kingdom, said: “We’re seeing a huge demand for our energy service this year. The high demand for Cosy Kingdom’s help shows the level of need in our community for energy advice. It also shows the high level of confidence people have in us to reach out when they need support. 

“The cost of living and energy crisis have a continued impact for people in Fife. High energy bills, often accompanied by debt, are a particular concern. We used to see people coming for support with fuel debt of a few hundred pounds. Now we are regularly approached by people with debts of over £3,000. 

“Many homes are struggling with condensation, damp and mould. With the cold and wet Fife climate, people have an ongoing challenge to heat their homes and manage moisture. This is an area where our expert energy advisors can offer a lot of support.”

Earlier in the year, the team also worked with Fife Council’s Retirement Housing department to visit several housing complexes in the area. Energy advisors spent two to three days at each complex to talk to residents about energy advice, bills and other issues.

The team are helping people like Rebecca* – a single parent living in a privately rented semi-detached house, in Fife. She approached Greener Kirkcaldy’s energy advisor at an event due to concerns about her cold, draughty home and rising energy costs. The property’s poor insulation and draughty windows meant she relied heavily on heating, which was impacting both her family’s wellbeing and her finances. A home visit was arranged to assess the property and provide tailored energy-saving advice. During the visit, room-by-room guidance was given on reducing energy use, improving heating efficiency, managing damp, and making simple changes such as using energy-efficient appliances and adjusting daily habits. Practical measures including draught proofing and LED bulbs were also provided.

As a result of the support received, Rebecca gained a clearer understanding of how to reduce her energy consumption and manage costs more effectively. She is now aware of additional support available, including the Warm Home Discount and the Priority Service Register, and understands how to respond to issues such as gas leaks and dampness. An application to Fife Council’s fuel debt fund also helped reduce her arrears, making the remaining balance more manageable.

*name changed to protect identity

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