More funding for warmer, greener homes

The Scottish Government has announced an additional £18m of funding to help householders install energy efficient measures and reduce their heating bills this winter, available through Home Energy Scotland.

On average, people could save up to £300 a year on their bills and financial support worth up to £5,000 is also available to make homes more energy efficient through improvements like home insulation or new heating systems, through the Warmer Homes Scotland programme.

Commenting on the announcement, Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings Patrick Harvie said:

“As the colder weather returns and given the concern around rising energy bills, we want to ensure that people are aware of the support available to keep their homes warm this winter. Home Energy Scotland offers advice, support and funding to help people make their energy saving improvements, helping them reduce their energy costs.

“The free, impartial advice and support is available for anyone concerned about paying their energy bills and we would urge people struggling with their fuel bills to get in touch with Home Energy Scotland.”

Recent research showed that 70% of people in Scotland feel concerned about their energy bills rising, with almost two thirds of people using more energy than usual during the first 12 months of the pandemic. It also found that 59% of people in Scotland have noticed a worrying rise in recent energy bills.

Harry Mayers, head of Home Energy Scotland, said:

“24,000 households across the country have already benefitted from new measures, like a new heating system or insulation, by getting in contact with Home Energy Scotland. But, with people spending more time at home over the past 18 months due to coronavirus, energy usage has been greater than ever.

“We therefore want to be able to help even more people to make energy saving improvements to their home. A home that isn’t well insulated can lose more than 50% of its heat through its roof and walls, so making improvements can help your finances and make your home more energy efficient, comfortable and cheaper to heat – while helping lower emissions in Scotland.

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Picture courtesy of the Daily Record