Support for People in Rural Homes

Support for Rural Homes

Energy costs can be significantly higher for people who live in rural properties. We want you to know that we’re here to help householders living in rural areas with energy advice, ways to lower your bills and information about potential funding available.

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Written by Home Energy Scotland
Published February 2024

Find out about how Home Energy Scotland can support owners of homes in rural areas. 

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Energy saving tips for rural homes

You don’t have to spend a penny to start saving on your energy bills. Take a look at our energy saving tips which prove that making a few small changes can make a big difference. From switching off stand-by, to being smart with water usage, we can help you save a significant amount on your annual energy bill. Our friendly advisors are also on hand to provide you with personalised advice to suit your needs.

Off-gas areas and heating solutions

If your home is not connected to the natural gas network, finding other heating solutions is crucial. We can help you explore options like heat pumps and solar panels which can reduce your energy costs and environmental impact. 

These renewable technologies are particularly well-suited for rural homes, and we can help with advice on their benefits, costs, and suitability for your own needs. You can also get a personalised report with details of improvements by completing our Home Energy Check.

We understand that asking for help can feel challenging. However, we are here to support you with free, clear and impartial advice. 

Support for rural homes

Funding

Making your home more energy efficient will lower your energy bills, but the upfront cost of improvements like insulation or heating can put people off.

The good news? There is funding available and we can help you with this by checking what you could be eligible for. For example, you might be able to spread the cost with an interest-free loan, or get a grant to cover much needed home improvements. You could also benefit from a specific rural uplift grant.

You can use our handy Funding Finder to search for funding and support, or chat to us directly. 

Locating certified installers

Finding certified installers for insulation, renewable technologies, and other energy efficiency measures can be challenging in rural areas - but we have some tips on how to find them on our Home Energy Scotland Grand and Loan page. You can search for MCS-certified installers in your area and read customer reviews on Energy Saving Trust’s Renewables Installer Finder.

Getting in touch

We’re here to help you with more than just renewable solutions. We also provide guidance and support for making changes in your daily habits and offer affordable options to reduce your bills. We know that each household is different and our friendly and impartial advisors will help you to find the support that best fits your needs.

Call us on 0808 808 2282 between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday, and Saturdays 9am to 5pm. You can also use our contact form to get in touch via email.

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