Citizens Advice ‘Hero’ crowned fuel poverty champion
A well-known face in Stirling’s Citizens Advice has been honoured for his work helping people out of fuel poverty.
Gary Egan was crowned a ‘Fuel Poverty Hero’ by Energy Action Scotland at a national awards ceremony in Glasgow.
Gary was recognised for going beyond all expectations, going out of his way to prioritise vulnerable people often out of normal working hours.
‘It was really difficult task picking winners but Gary was exceptional, the many commendations from his colleagues made this decision easy,’ said Energy Action Scotland chief executive, Frazer Scott
‘Our sector, our members individually and collectively provide incredible service to people. Armed with knowledge, experience, drive and a clear sense of right from wrong these people save lives on a daily basis.’
Latest figures from Scottish Government, show that fuel poverty rates in Scotland are now 31%, well above the 2019 figure of 24%. Fuel poverty happens when household is spending more than 10% of their income on energy – after housing costs have been deducted.
Energy Action Scotland’s annual awards are an opportunity for the national organisation – which campaigns to raise awareness of fuel poverty and lobby the Scottish Government to make positive changes – to recognise those across Scotland that have made significant impacts in combating fuel poverty. ends
Picture shows: Gary receives his award from Energy Action Scotland (EAS) chief executive, Frazer Scott and EAS Trustee Liz Marquis
Editors Notes
- Energy Action Scotland (EAS) campaigns for an end to fuel poverty in Scotland and is the only national charity with this sole remit.
- EAS aims to develop and promote effective solutions to the problem of cold,
damp and expensive to heat homes. - Energy Action Scotland is raising £10,000 to provide essential warmth for
vulnerable people and their families struggling to heat their homes this winter. Please donate here to help buy items like duvets, hot water bottles and flasks to help keep vulnerable people warm this winter. - The Scottish Government published its latest Fuel Poverty Strategy on December 23, 2021
- The most recent Scottish House Condition Survey found that in 2022 31% of households in Scotland were in fuel poverty. Scottish Government estimates referenced on its Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel website for the period to end June 2024 confirmed 31%. Higher energy costs at 1 October 2024 and the removal of the Winter Fuel Payment/Pension Age Winter Heating Payment mean that this is an underestimate.
- The Scottish Government target of reducing fuel poverty is for it to be to no more than 15% by 2030 and 5% by 2040