Local Energy Support in Scotland

It is estimated around 680,000 households in Scotland will be in fuel poverty from April to June 2026.

If you live in Scotland, LEAP can help you understand your bills, check what support may be available and talk through practical ways to reduce energy waste at home.

The best first step is a free LEAP advice call, especially if you’re worried about bills, struggling to top up,or unsure where to turn next.

Even when prices shift up or down, many households still feel the day-to-day pressure of paying bills, topping up meters and keeping their homes warm.

Recent Scottish Government estimates show that from April to June 2026, around 680,000 households in Scotland, or 27% of all households, will be in fuel poverty. It also estimated that around 320,000 households will be in extreme fuel poverty.

That’s why knowing where to get local, practical support matters. LEAP is available in Scotland and can help eligible households take the next step, whether that’s understanding a confusing bill, checking emergency support options or finding ways to make your home easier to heat.

Start with a free LEAP energy advice call

In Scotland, the first step is a free LEAP energy advice call. This is a relaxed conversation with a trained advisor who can talk through what’s happening in your home and help you understand what support may be available.

During the call, an advisor can help you look at your bills, understand your tariff, check whether your meter readings look right and talk through simple steps to reduce wasted energy. They may also be able to point you towards wider money or debt advice if that would be useful.

This advice call is the starting point whether you’re worried about rising bills, struggling with a prepayment meter, dealing with an inefficient appliance or simply unsure what help you might qualify for.

If you’re on a prepayment meter and can’t top up

Running out of credit can be daunting, especially if you rely on electricity or gas for heating, cooking or hot water.

If you’re on a prepayment meter and can’t afford to top up, it’s worth contacting your energy supplier first. Ask about emergency credit, friendly hours credit and whether any repayments can be made more affordable.

LEAP may also be able to help eligible Scottish households through its Financial Assistance Scheme. In some cases, fuel vouchers worth up to £150 may be available for households on prepayment meters who are in a genuine fuel crisis.

Practical help can make a real difference

Energy advice is not just about when you should switch things off. Often, the most helpful support starts with understanding what is actually happening in the home.

For example, LEAP has helped Scottish residents with energy-saving advice, low-energy LED lightbulbs, radiator panels, appliance support and referrals for wider help. Recently, Mrs Ward, a retired Glasgow resident living on a low income and disability benefits, received advice, small energy-saving measures and support with replacing older, less efficient appliances.

In Renfrewshire, LEAP has also supported residents through tailored advice, home visits, energy-saving measures, appliance replacements and wider referrals. Tanya, a single parent in Paisley, said electricity costs had been a major pressure before LEAP helped her understand her bills and access practical support. Watch Tanya’s story here

What other Scottish energy bill support is available?

Depending on your circumstances, a LEAP advisor may be able to help you understand or explore:

Your energy bills, tariff, meter readings and how to top prepayment meters
Emergency help if you can’t top up
Fuel vouchers, if you’re eligible
Warm Home Discount or other support schemes
Referrals for money or debt advice
Home visits in eligible Scottish regions
Simple ways to reduce wasted energy safely

From May 2026, LEAP home visits will be available in eligible Scottish regions. During a visit, a Home Energy Advisor may be able to fit simple energy-saving measures such as draught-proofing, LED bulbs, radiator panels and standby saver plugs.