Households that heat their homes with oil or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) can still get help with fuel costs this winter of up to £600, after the Scottish Emergency Heating Oil Scheme was extended.
Tighean Innse Gall (TIG), the Western Isles housing and energy agency, is encouraging anyone who relies on heating oil or LPG to check whether they qualify now, before the colder months set in.
The scheme supports households facing higher costs for oil or LPG heating. Where possible, payment goes directly to the fuel supplier, so households don’t need to find the money up front.
The need is especially acute in the Western Isles. The latest Scottish House Condition Survey figures (2022–2024) show that 40% of households in Na h-Eileanan Siar are in fuel poverty, well above the Scottish average of 31%.
Around 88% of homes in the islands have no mains gas connection, leaving many reliant on oil, LPG or electricity to keep warm. With winter approaching, TIG wants to make sure no eligible household goes without heat or rations its fuel because it did not know help was available.
Households where oil or LPG is the main heating fuel may qualify for support if they are the bill payer, live in the property as their main home, and have recently purchased or plan to purchase fuel, with automatic eligibility for those receiving certain means-tested benefits and discretionary support available for households facing financial hardship or vulnerability.
How to apply
You can apply online at homeheatingadvice.scot, which has been updated to reflect the extension. If you would rather speak to someone, call 0800 048 7413 for help with your application.
For assistance in applying, you can contact TIG directly at info@tighean.co.uk or call 01851 706121.
Kirsty McLeod, Energy Advice Manager at TIG, said:
“Winter is the hardest time of year for households that depend on heating oil or LPG. Fuel must be bought in bulk, often hundreds of pounds at a time, which can push people to cut back on heat when they need it most.
“The extension of the Emergency Heating Oil Scheme means help is there through the coldest months. Whether you’re on a qualifying benefit or simply struggling to afford your next delivery, please check whether you’re eligible. It only takes a few minutes online, or you can pick up the phone and get help applying.”
Ann Beaton (Betty) from the Isle of Lewis, with help from TIG, was successful with her application to the Emergency Heating Oil Scheme
Ann was delighted with the outcome and said:
” I wish to take this opportunity to thank Monique and all the TIG staff who enabled me to access the oil heating grant.
“Unfortunately, due to ongoing health issues, our home requires to be topped up with oil every eight weeks. This obviously creates a continuous financial cycle that is extremely difficult to manage.
“We are incredibly grateful to TIG for stepping in and validating our situation, with the result that we were awarded this grant.
“I would urge anyone in a similar position to contact TIG, as the staff here provide an outstanding level of guidance and expertise.”
Households can find out more and apply at homeheatingadvice.scot or by calling 0800 048 7413.
If you need assistance with this, you can contact TIG directly at info@tighean.co.uk or call 01851 706121.