Energy Support
SGN Partnership
Cruse Scotland has partnered with SGN to ensure bereaved people have access to energy support services designed to help them to maintain a safe and warm home.
SGN manages the network which distributes natural and green gas to approximately six million homes and businesses across Scotland and southern England.
Through this project, Cruse Scotland volunteers and staff will be trained to recognise where bereaved people who use Cruse Scotland's services are potentially vulnerable to fuel poverty.
They will also be trained to offer energy support and information including how to signpost bereaved people to further energy support services such as the Priority Services Register (PSR) and Citizens Advice Scotland.
This page provides practical information and signposting to help ease some of the financial strain and give you one less thing to worry about.
Priority Services Register
You may be eligible for the Priority Services Register following a bereavement.
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free UK wide service which provides extra advice and support, including when there’s an interruption to your electricity, gas or water supply.
There are many ways the Priority Services Register (PSR) can provide support, including:
- providing information in accessible formats
- helping with meter readings and bill payments
- letting you know how they’ll help when there are planned cuts to supply
You may be eligible to register with the PSR if you:
- Temporarily need extra support (including if you are bereaved).
Energy Grants and Schemes
There are a range of schemes available to help people manage the cost of their energy bills, each with its own eligibility requirements.
These all have differing eligibility criteria, so it’s a good idea to seek advice from a service like Citizens Advice Scotland to find out more about what you could be entitled to.
We’ve listed some of the main financial assistance schemes below:
Carbon Monoxide Safety
If you’re bereaved, you may not feel confident knowing what you need to do to stay carbon monoxide safe at home. You might even be living alone for the first time.
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly, invisible, odourless and tasteless gas produced by faulty fuel-burning appliances, including boilers, heaters, hobs and stoves.
Signs of CO poisoning include headaches, nausea, dizziness and breathlessness.
Warning signs include yellow/orange flames, soot or stains around appliances, excess condensation and pilot lights that repeatedly go out.
If you suspect a CO leak, turn off appliances, leave the property and seek immediate assistance via the National Gas Emergency Helpline.
Stay safe: install and test a CO alarm monthly, service appliances annually, keep vents clear and never use BBQs indoors.
You could be eligible for a free carbon monoxide alarm.
Thanks to our partners at SGN, if you live within their Scotland region and are recently bereaved, we’re able to provide you with a free Carbon Monoxide alarm to help you stay safe at home. To find out eligible areas and to order your alarm, please email support@crusescotland.org.uk
How To Reduce Energy Bills
Making your home more energy efficient can help reduce energy bills, improve comfort, and lower environmental impact. Many people are unsure where to start, or worry that changes might be expensive or complicated.
Everyday Energy-Saving Actions
This level focuses on how energy is used in everyday life at home. These actions usually cost nothing, can have a big combined impact over time, and can be done straight away.
- Turning appliances fully off instead of leaving them on standby
- Only heating rooms being used
- Using lids on pans when cooking
- Washing clothes at lower temperatures
- Taking shorter showers.
Read more here on the Energy Saving Trust.
Simple Home Improvements
This level looks at small physical improvements that are low‑cost, low‑risk, and widely used. They help to reduce wasted energy, keep heat in the home and improve comfort, especially in colder months.
- Replacing old light bulbs with LED bulbs
- Draught-proofing doors and windows
- Using heating controls more effectively
- Using radiator reflector panels
- Fitting a hot water cylinder jacket.
Contacts for Energy Support
We know that following a bereavement, managing finances can be confusing and overwhelming. It’s important to ensure you are claiming all of the income you’re entitled to; this is called ‘Income Maximisation’.
Cruse Scotland has a referral pathway with a free money advice service called IncomeMax. They help people to identify and claim income such as benefits, grants or schemes and they can support people who have had a recent change in circumstances, such as a bereavement.
If you’d like to know more about accessing this service, email support@crusescotland.org.uk and we’d be delighted to let you know more and help you to refer with them.
Below, we’ve listed information on support services which are available to help you if you’re struggling with your energy:
NEF Better Housing, Better Health
Groundwork's 'Get Energy Help'