With more than £200 million of support still available, the 2000th customer of a Scottish Government scheme to help vulnerable people trapped by fuel poverty has urged people to take advantage of its “life changing” impact.

Lillias Anderson, whose Kilsyth home benefited from a new energy efficient boiler as part of the Warmer Homes Scotland programme Warmworks, says she is now confident about being able to heat her home thanks to the “exceptional” help she received.

As well as having a new boiler fitted, the Warmworks scheme helped the Andersons by installing draught proofing, a new smoke alarm and a secondary heating system.

The improvements have helped reduce energy bills and given Mrs Anderson, who has Multiple Sclerosis, renewed confidence in her ability to heat her home.

Mrs Anderson said: “I can’t speak highly enough of it. It’s made a huge difference – our lives have been changed because of Warmworks. I wish we had this five years ago.

“It’s easier to heat the home, the controls are easier and the rooms are much warmer. The workmen were exceptionally helpful too and were finished very quickly; we couldn’t get a heat before and now it just works.”

Launched in September last year, the scheme offers a step-by-step experience for customers to help make homes warmer and more comfortable. As well as lifting people out of fuel poverty, it will help reduce CO2 levels in the country at the same time as improving the country’s housing stock.

Ross Armstrong, director of Warmworks, said: “The Andersons are a terrific example of exactly the kind of difference Warmworks can make. With energy bills likely to rise in the future, it is important those who think they may benefit from the scheme apply now. There’s no better time to consider upgrades to heating than during the summer, when the warm weather will offset any minor disruption caused by having a new boiler fitted.

“Even if you’re unsure if you can benefit, it is worth asking the question to see if Warmworks can provide extra insulation to your home – and your wallet – in the future.”

Three organisations form the Warmworks Scotland joint venture – Changeworks, the Energy Saving Trust and Everwarm, part of Lakehouse plc – which is worth up to £224m over its seven-year term.