Scottish Hydro, part of SSE, is helping to make hundreds of homes in Clackmannanshire more energy efficient thanks to a new funding partnership.
The £300K project, funded by the Scottish Government, under its Home Energy Efficiency Programme for Scotland (HEEPS) and Scottish Hydro, through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), aims to help cut household energy use and reduce energy costs.
Homeowners or tenants living in privately rented accommodation and who are in receipt of certain benefits may be eligible for free energy efficiency measures which include new boilers and loft and cavity wall insulation.
It is estimated that the funding could help up to 300 homes in Clackmannanshire which are in need of insulation or new heating systems.
Clackmannanshire Council’s Housing Convenor Les Sharp said: "I am delighted we are able to offer this help with our partners for residents of Clackmannanshire to help make their homes more energy efficient. Improving the insulation in your house and having more energy efficient heating could help you to feel warmer this winter whilst also reducing your energy bills, so I would urge residents to telephone in or check the web site and find out if they are eligible for these free measures."
David Smith, Area Development Manager at Scottish Hydro added: "Many people are not aware that these schemes are available so it’s vital that we get the message out loud and clear. Elderly homeowners and families on low incomes are amongst the groups that could receive these free energy efficiency measures which could help reduce both household energy use and heating bills. I urge everyone to check the eligibility criteria as their home could benefit from this scheme."
The Energy Saving Trust says cavity wall insulation could help cut energy bills by up to £140 a year and loft insulation up to £175 a year. It also adds up to ensure boilers are as efficient as possible as it accounts for around 60% of the annual cost of an energy bill. Some boilers can bring savings of up to £300 a year.*
To find out more about the scheme and check eligibility criteria visit www.hydro.co.uk/winterhhcro (call 0800 980 7537)or alternatively call Clackmannanshire Council's home energy advice team on 01259 452697/452698 or email fuelenergyadvice@clacks.gov.uk.
*Energy Saving Trust