Energy company pledge funds to help tackle extreme fuel poverty
SSE Renewables is teaming up with Highland Council to help tackle extreme fuel poverty in the north
Last updated 4th Dec 2022
It's hoped a scheme which aims to tackle extreme fuel poverty can help those struggling to heat their homes in the North of Scotland this winter.
SSE Renewables has pledged funding and will work with Highland Council to help people make energy saving adaptations to their homes.
Scottish Government figures show those living in the North of the country are some of the hardest hit by the cost of living crisis.
33% of households in the Highlands are experiencing fuel poverty, in comparison to the national average of 24%.
It is anticipated that these figures will increase significantly. For example, 62% of the properties currently signed up for the 2022/23 air source heat pump programme are classed as ‘extreme fuel poor’.
The Council has been delivering the Energy Efficient Scotland scheme for a decade now.
It offers people the chance to benefit from grant funded measures to help their homes retain heat, and use less of it.
The Fund has offered Highland Council £1m of grant funding to be spent over 2022/23 and 2023/24 with the option to extend funding to 2024/25 if necessary. The funding will be used exclusively to support Highland households in extreme fuel poverty.
The EES:ABS grant and new funding will be used to reduce/remove household contributions on a range of energy efficiency measures including:
• Air Source Heat Pump
• Cavity Wall Insulation
• Loft Insulation
• External Wall Insulation
• Solar PV and battery
Leader of Highland Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner said: “Highland is experiencing some of the highest levels of fuel poverty in Scotland. It is crucial that we encourage as many people as possible to sign up to the Energy Efficient Scotland – Area Based Scheme to benefit from grant funding to carry out energy efficiency improvements to their homes, improving comfort levels and attempt to minimise the impact of rising fuel costs.
“We are delighted to announce the arrival of grant support from SSE Renewables which, through the area-based scheme, will help us deliver efficiency savings to those households most in need.”
Cllr Bremner also highlighted that the scheme is open to all owner occupier and privately rented properties who meet eligibility criteria and encouraged members of the public to make inquiries about the scheme.
He added: “One of the key issues we have faced to date is a lack of sign-ups for the scheme. We are encouraging local members to promote this scheme through their ward meetings to highlight its many benefits.”
“On top of the financial savings the scheme also delivers significant carbon savings and enables householders to meet the challenges of climate change and improve properties energy efficiency rating in accordance with Scottish Government targets.”
Chair of the Sustainable Development Fund, Lord Jack McConnell said: “The Sustainable Development Fund is focused on creating lasting transformation in the Highlands. The £1 million investment in improving energy efficiency for Highland households is the largest donation made by the fund. The funding will help many vulnerable residents benefit from warm, sustainable homes for years to come.”