Issue - meetings

Presentation by Manager, ALIEnergy

The Group considered a presentation by Lynda Mitchell, ALIEnergy, in relation to the ALIEnergy Affordable Warmth Service. The presentation provided background information in relation to ALIEnergy, their aims, their staff, and the geographic area covered by the Affordable Warmth Advice Service.

The presentation also provided statistical information in relation to fuel poverty across Scotland; a breakdown of the percentages of people suffering from fuel poverty by local authority region; examples of fuel poverty in everyday life; examples of how the energy advice process could assist people to access support; and contact details for the Affordable Warmth Team. Further information was provided around how ALIEnergy were able to measure the impact of the support provided to clients, both new and existing. Recent examples were also provided of how ALIEnergy had been able to assist clients in accessing support through various funds. The presentation also included information around ALIEnergy’s social media channels, as well as contacts details for referrals or client enquiries.

Discussion took place around the higher rates of fuel poverty in areas where the most renewable energy was produced. Valerie Nimmo noted that Kintyre produced a lot of renewable energy but did not see any benefit in terms of electricity cost, and suggested that it could be beneficial to open a dialogue with renewable energy companies around this. Lynda advised that, in her role as Chair of Energy Action Scotland, she was aware that this was a problem that was prevalent across a number of areas in Scotland and lobbying was ongoing. She noted that many windfarms were likely to be owned by different developers, and therefore it was difficult to reach a consensus with all parties. She advised that many windfarm operators were likely to offer some kind of community benefit, however overall it was a huge issue affecting many areas in Scotland. She encouraged people to continue to vocalise their concerns around this, to encourage action to be taken.

Jennifer Dryden agreed to contact Lynda to discuss possible future links between the Community Link Worker service and ALIEnergy following the meeting.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Presentation by Lynda Mitchell, Manager, ALI Energy, submitted)