Scottish government launches energy efficiency scheme for fuel poor homes

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced a new fuel poverty scheme which has the backing of a £224 million Scottish Government fund. Warmer Homes Scotland will over the next seven years install energy efficiency measures such as insulation, heating and domestic renewables in heat poor households.

In addition there is an advice line, Home Energy Scotland, to encourage Scottish consumers to seek advice on how to remove fuel bills.

Sturgeon said:

“Nothing is more important to me than responding to the real pressures that individuals and families across Scotland face. Through this scheme, the Scottish Government will deliver the best possible help to thousands of people who are blighted by fuel poverty, struggling to keep their homes warm and pay their energy bills.” “Warmer Homes Scotland is tailored to give vulnerable households living in fuel poverty access to measures to make their homes more energy efficient. Since 2009, we have allocated over half a billion pounds to make Scotland’s homes more energy efficient, which has helped over 700,000 households reduce their fuel bills.” Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil said:

“Tackling inequality is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s commitment to creating a fairer country for all. Warmer Homes Scotland will help thousands of Scots on low incomes have homes that are easier and cheaper to heat. People living in our island and rural mainland communities will have the same chances to make their homes easier to heat as people living in urban areas.” Mike Thornton, Energy Saving Trust, Director of Government Services, added: “This scheme helps householders who are struggling with their energy bills with really practical support, helping them right the way through the process from the time they call up through to when the work is done. Vulnerable householders will receive their own personal adviser and all customers will be supported through any complex issue or challenge they may face along the way.”