Sam Ghibaldan

Word of the day is ‘swullocking’, from 19th-century East Anglian dialect: sultry, sweltering, and sudiferous (sweat-inducing).

The transition to a future energy market powered primarily by renewable sources must deliver for all consumers, Consumer Scotland has said in a new report.

Read more: bit.ly/4l3bn7S

A photograph of Consumer Scotland and Ofgem colleagues at the MEL Energy Centre

Consumer Scotland and @ofgem.gov.uk met yesterday to engage on heat network regulation and visit the MEL Energy Centre in Midlothian, which supplies low carbon district heating to Shawfair near Edinburgh.

Consumer Scotland is the statutory advocacy body for heat networks in Scotland.

Confirmation of a phased approach to the Radio Teleswitch Service switch off has been welcomed by Consumer Scotland.

Industry, government and regulator Ofgem have confirmed a gradual phase out from July.

Read more: bit.ly/464PUGF

Island communities need new safeguards to improve postal services, Consumer Scotland has said.

First Class deliveries in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles are currently not protected by targets unlike all other postcode areas in Scotland.

Read more: bit.ly/4l00rY8

Consumer Scotland has written to energy regulator Ofgem seeking assurances that consumers affected by the RTS switch-off will be appropriately supported and protected.

Read more: bit.ly/43XZ2ve

From left to right - Consumer Scotland Chief Executive Sam Ghibaldan, Minister for Public Finance Ivan McKee MSP, Scottish Government Deputy Director Jess Niven, and Consumer Scotland Chair David Wilson

Minister for Public Finance Ivan McKee and Scottish Government Deputy Director Jess Niven attended the Consumer Scotland Board meeting yesterday in Edinburgh.

We discussed our work in securing better outcomes for consumers and our contribution to economic growth and public service reform.

A quote from Consumer Scotland Director of Research and Analysis David Eiser which says - "Ongoing affordability challenges and growing energy debt underline the need for further action to reduce energy bills."

Today @consumerscotland.bsky.social published the latest in our series of research reports on energy affordability.

The report shows 15% of respondents are in energy debt compared to 9% last year.

Read more: bit.ly/4jbUQN7

New Build Heat Standard New homes and buildings must install climate-friendly heating systems instead of oil and gas boilers. Wood burning stoves and peat heating systems can be installed.

See the new build heat standard: www.gov.scot/publications...

In Scotland, since April 2024 the primary heating system in new build must be climate friendly, ruling out gas boilers. It’s a simple change that will bring heat pumps into the mainstream and help build consumer confidence in their benefits.

To engage consumers in the net zero transition, policymakers need to think from a consumer perspective. Consumer Scotland’s 4Cs framework - cost, convenience, clarity and confidence - can help them achieve that.

To engage consumers in the net zero transition, policymakers need to think from a consumer perspective. Consumer Scotland’s 4Cs framework - cost, convenience, clarity and confidence - can help them achieve that.

The 4 Cs for addressing climate change: cost, convenience, clarity and confidence.

Catholics around the world mourn Pope Francis Members of the Catholic Church's global community of 1.4bn people are remember the late Pope on Easter Monday.

It’s not just Catholics mourning the pope. I’m not a believer, but welcomed the humanity and compassion the Pope brought to social and international issues. The way he exercised his office enhanced it. 'God chose this day' - World's Catholics mourn Pope's Easter death www.bbc.com/news/article...

How could subsidies incentivise clean heat neighbourhoods? Restructuring public grants and subsidies can accelerate the heat transition, driving positive change

🏡 We think that a coordinated approach, where neighbourhoods and streets switch to clean heat together, will help the UK move closer to net zero.

We explore the ways public grants and subsidies could support collective switching - and why restructuring current systems could be key ⤵️

Hello Sol, I’ve been expecting you

Bake sale for Ukraine this afternoon, the initiative of our 10 year old’s friend.

A graphic highlighting that Consumer Scotland is hiring an Analysis Manager, Energy Policy and Advocacy Managers, and Energy and Post Policy Officer roles with a deadline of 30th March 2025

Consumer Scotland is recruiting for a number of exciting and rewarding roles across our Policy and Advocacy, and Analysis teams.

Find out more and apply by 30th March: bit.ly/43zOgvs

How do we stop the global misogynist backlash against women? Hysterical inadequates like Andrew Tate feature prominently in an online world where young men are taught that women should obey them and that…

Not much obvious good news this International Women’s Day but there are still hopeful signs if you look for them. www.heraldscotland.com/politics/vie...

Regulators have a vital role in enabling consumer participation in the net zero transition. At todays UKRN event I spoke about @Consumer Scotland research that suggests policymakers need to view choices through four consumer lenses: cost, convenience, clarity and confidence.

Contrary to some media reports heat pumps are a mature technology and have been around for more than 100 years:

✅ The first heat pump as we know it today was built by Austrian engineer Peter von Rittinger in 1856.

✅ Heat pumps were installed in peoples’ homes many decades ago.

🧵

Public services should be designed around the consumers they serve. @consumerscotland.bsky.social’s statutory guidance to public bodies on the new Consumer Duty will help them take consumers into account when making strategic decisions.

There is still time to help shape our priorities for the coming year by providing feedback on Consumer Scotland's Draft Work Programme 2025-2026.

Our consultation closes on Monday 17th February.

Find out more and take part here: bit.ly/410Gedk

Tonight’s score of human injuries vs cat conjunctivitis eye drops successfully applied:
3 - 0.

A photograph of Consumer Scotland Head of Water Gail Walker, with the quote: "This significant increase highlights affordability issues for some consumers. We have recommended increasing discounts for low-income households and improving targeted support for those consumers who currently miss out."

Consumer Scotland has responded to an announcement by Scottish Water that water bills in Scotland will increase by 9.9% from April.

Read more: bit.ly/40UGzgL

A photograph of Consumer Scotland Chief Executive Sam Ghibaldan with the quote: "Our draft work programme sets out how we will advance the interests of consumers in the coming year. We want to hear your views to help us finalise our priorities."

Consumer Scotland has published its Draft Work Programme 2025-2026 and is seeking views to help shape our priorities in the coming year.

Find out more about our draft work programme and how to take part in our online survey here: bit.ly/3PL4mu4

Consumer Scotland Winter Newsletter A story told with Adobe Express

@consumerscotland.bsky.social’s winter newsletter is out, covering energy affordability support for disabled and terminally ill people, engaging people in the Net Zero transition, the replacement of RTS electricity meters, and more. new.express.adobe.com/webpage/XMNd...

Civil Service job search - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UKGOV.UK Search and apply for jobs in the UK Civil Service

New year, new job? @consumerscotland.bsky.social is recruiting two important new roles to lead our energy team, the Head of Energy Markets and the Head of Energy Transition, seeking to ensure our energy future works for, and with, consumers. www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cg...

After the recent stormy weather and with a lot of key trades in demand, be on your guard from doorstep and rogue traders ⚠️
www.trustedtrader.scot #TrustedTrader #ShutOutScammers