Householders urged to apply to Scottish Government energy efficiency funding scheme

With this summer’s heatwave and record-breaking temperatures, it’s no surprise that central heating and insulation aren’t at the top of householders’ to-do lists. But funding for energy saving home improvements, such as new boilers, is available all year round – not just in the winter months. The Scottish Government is today calling on householders to apply for its flagship energy efficiency funding scheme. Warmer Homes Scotland is now actively seeking applicants who may be struggling to heat their home or keep up with their energy bills.

Both owner-occupiers and private tenants can contact the Scottish Government’s free energy advice service, Home Energy Scotland, to see if they qualify.

Head of Home Energy Scotland Harry Mayers said: “We want to hear from anybody who needs support with heating or fuel costs – particularly if you’ve got children at home, health issues or if you’re an older person. Wherever you live in Scotland just get in touch; we will check out every possible avenue of support and if you are eligible for Warmer Homes Scotland we’ll get things moving for you.”

If callers are likely to be eligible for the scheme, they will be referred to Warmworks, the company that manages the delivery of Warmer Homes Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.

Ross Armstrong, Managing Director of Warmworks, said: “Now is the perfect time to address any worries you may have around heating your home and staying warm. During the winter months the demand for the scheme increases considerably and taking action now means that when the cold weather arrives, you’ll be safe in the knowledge that your home will be warmer, and you may even save money on your bills too.”

Since its launch four years ago, over 16,000 Scottish households have received support from Warmer Homes Scotland, in most cases getting over £4,000 of energy saving home improvements at no cost to the resident.

In June this year the Scottish Parliament unanimously voted in a new bill to address the main causes of fuel poverty and transform homes to be warmer and more energy-efficient in Scotland, the coldest part of the UK. The new law sets a target of no more than 5% of Scottish households in fuel poverty by 2040, and no more than 1% of households being in extreme fuel poverty.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “No Scottish household should have to choose between heating their home and cooking their dinner. That’s why we’re investing £38 million in Warmer Homes Scotland over the next two years to help us end fuel poverty in this country for good.

“Through Warmer Homes schemes, people can benefit from improvements such as heating, insulation and draught proofing. Eligible households can even get renewable technologies like air source heat pumps installed.

“These schemes will be essential in helping us tackling the root causes of fuel poverty and making all our homes warmer, greener and more energy efficient.

“I’d encourage anyone who may need assistance to contact Home Energy Scotland to see what help is available to make your home warmer, more comfortable and cheaper to heat.”

Here at Home Energy Scotland we’ve saved Scottish households over £1 billion in energy bills since our launch in 2008. We can check your eligibility for our energy efficiency funding scheme, as well as offering all kinds of other support and advice about reducing your bills and making your home warmer. Get in touch today to find out more.