Scottish government expands energy efficiency scheme

Scottish households could benefit from a new £14 million interest free loan fund to make energy efficiency improvements to keep their home warm.

Housing associations are now able to apply for loans from the Government’s Home Energy Efficiency Programme Scotland Loan Scheme. Up until now applicants have been limited to owner-occupiers and private landlords.

The advances will assist with the instalment of energy efficiency measures. Examples include wall insulation or cavity walls.

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said:

“For the first time the HEEPS loans scheme will be open to housing associations. This will help ensure their homes meet the higher standards for energy efficiency that have been set by the Scottish Government. Last year more than £8 million was saved in fuel bills thanks to the HEEPS scheme, covering 30,000 households. Since 2009 we have allocated over half a billion pounds on a raft of measures to help the most vulnerable people in our society heat their homes affordably.”