Families urged to seek help from energy efficiency scheme

Families have been urged to seek help from a “transformational” energy efficiency scheme which has already saved Scots around £17.5 million in heating their homes.

With the winter setting in, Warmworks is launching its Warmer Homes Scotland (WHS) campaign to remind Scots not to miss out on free support available to cut heating bills.

The programme offers funding for wall insulation, loft insulation, draught-proofing, renewables and central heating – including new air source heat pumps or gas boilers.

Warmworks, which manages the scheme for the Scottish Government, confirmed it is on track to hit 50,000 households supported since its establishment in 2015.

It is close to the equivalent of every household in Angus or the Scottish Borders.

With the average household saving £350 under the scheme, WHS says a total of around £17.5m has been cut from bills.

The estimated saving in both the West Scotland and South Scotland regions is about £2.3m in the period, while it is more than £2.1m in the Highlands and Islands, and around £2m in each of Central Scotland, Mid Scotland and Fife, Glasgow, the North East, and Lothian.

Ministers this year boosted funding for the WHS programme by an additional £20m, helping a further 1,500 households reduce their fuel bills.

Ross Armstrong, chief executive of Warmworks, said: “We are proud to have helped so many Scots cut their energy bills in recent years. The upgrades we have carried out have had a transformational impact, lifting many families out of fuel poverty.

“However, we are acutely aware that there are still too many people living in cold homes, with some forced to choose between using their limited resources to heat their homes or to buy the basics for themselves and their children, including food.

“That is why, as winter draws closer, we would urge anyone who is interested in this kind of support to get in touch. You can also make inquiries on behalf of a neighbour, friend or relative who may need help to cut their bills.”

Warm and energy efficient homes are vital to help tackle climate change while also reducing child poverty and inequality.

Research has consistently shown that cold, damp homes lower educational attainment for younger people while also increasing health inequalities for all. Poor insulation contributes to rising bills and can create a perpetual cost-of-living crisis for families.

Mr Armstrong added: “The Warmer Homes Scotland scheme has helped cut £17.5m from household fuel bills already – and that amount is rising all the time.

“The difference this support is making to the quality of life for our customers is invaluable.”

For more advice, call Home Energy Scotland’s free advice line on 0808 808 2282.