Dan Morrison of Muirneag Consulting and Point and Sandwick Trust Energy (PST) Support Unit (ESU) has been recognised for his services to combating fuel poverty at the prestigious Energy Action Scotland Fuel Poverty Heroes Awards 2023.
The awards are an opportunity for the national organisation – which campaigns to raise awareness of fuel poverty and lobby the Scottish Government to make positive changes – to recognise those across Scotland who have made significant impacts in combating fuel poverty.
In April 2023, Energy Action Scotland estimated nearly four in 10 households in Scotland to be in fuel poverty.
This figure is higher in the Western Isles where fuel poverty is a complex problem with multiple drivers – houses which are still largely energy inefficient, modest average salaries, the cost-of-living crisis and fuel price increases.
With a significant 15-year career in the energy sector, Dan has worked in a number of roles from his base in the Western Isles delivering services including energy crisis intervention, fuel poverty prevention advice, behavioural advice and personal support to individuals and families struggling with the rising costs of energy and heating their homes.
Following many years at Housing and Energy Agency Tighean Innse Gall, Dan formed Muirneag Consulting Ltd with former colleague Stewart Wilson and created the ESU in partnership with Lewis-based community wind farm Point and Sandwick Trust (PST) to service the area.
One aim of the ESU was to get immediate financial help to those in the greatest need and Dan worked to develop a model to do that.
In December 2022, PST ringfenced a capital fund for the purpose of alleviating fuel poverty for the most vulnerable and Dan subsequently engaged with more than 250 homes in nine months with a total of £161,000 in fuel hardship grants delivered to 161 homes.
Stewart Wilson commented: “My colleague and friend Dan Morrison is such an inspiration in the fight against the impact of fuel poverty. His quiet determination to get help to individuals and families across Point and Sandwick is outstanding.
“His success in achieving that can be recognised in no better way than receiving his Heroes award from Scotland’s national fuel poverty charity. Many congratulations.”
Donald John MacSween of Point and Sandwick Trust added: “Dan Morrison is a superb asset to our community, often going above and beyond to support those who are suffering the impact of the combined cost-of-living and energy crises.
“The Energy Support Unit was designed with local residents in mind and is driven by Dan’s strategic vision to help those who are most vulnerable to the sad reality of fuel poverty.
“His strategy to work in partnership with key local and national agencies, to improve outcomes for residents in Point and Sandwick is a targeted approach with kindness and real support at its heart. Congratulations Dan, this award is very well deserved.”
The awards took place in Clydebank, Glasgow, on November 23 and were attended by Dan and Stewart.
Photograph: Energy Action Scotland Fuel Poverty Hero Dan Morrison. NO_F49_WIFuelPovertyHero_23_Dan Morrison