Hundreds of Scottish families have been left with debts of up to £21,000 after registering with a government-backed energy scheme. More than 1,000 Scottish customers were pressured into buying energy-saving home improvements such as solar panels, insulation and underfloor heating on finance and misled about their repayment plan and the potential savings by a “rogue company”, according to a report. Home Energy and Lifestyle Management Systems (Helms), the Cambuslang-based company behind the scheme, was an approved installer for the UK government’s Green Deal, which enabled consumers to borrow money for energy-saving devices. Helms was dissolved this year after it was found to have engaged in practices harmful to consumers, including pressuring them to sign up and targeting vulnerable people. Kate Morrison, energy policy manager at Citizens Advice Scotland, which compiled a report into the issue, said: “Helms customers entered into their agreements in good faith but they were misled and have suffered higher bills for four years because of this rogue company, with some facing two more decades of repayments.
Times 21st Nov 2018 read more »