Published on:
20
December 2012
Clackmannanshire Council have been awarded £400,000 as part of a £1.5m project to tackle fuel poverty in homes in Clackmannanshire.
It follows a successful bid for funding under the Scottish Government's National Retrofit pilot programme to help improve energy efficiency in non-traditional constructed homes within the County.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon made the announcement this week ahead of meeting with the Fuel Poverty Forum. The announcement came in the same week when Planning Minister Derek Mackay revealed a consultation on proposals to make new Scottish buildings even more energy efficient.
Ms Sturgeon said: "We are doing all we can to help people heat their homes. Older homes are often the most difficult to keep warm and we are determined to help householders in this situation wherever we can.
This is also good news for jobs and the economy, with all of these projects generating work and supporting jobs."
New Scottish Government investment of £3.5 million has been allocated to 19 projects across Scotland, including Clackmannanshire, for the installation of energy efficiency measures such as solid wall insulation, double glazing and central heating in older homes.
Of the 19 projects which have received Scottish Government funding, only West Dunbartonshire with £417,000, received more than Clackmannanshire.
Clackmannanshire Council Housing Convener, Councillor Les Sharp, said, "This is excellent news which will benefit persons who are resident in homes which are considered to be difficult to insulate due the construction of the building.
The project will target non- traditional domestic buildings in areas of fuel poverty and will cover both Council and private sector homes."
The Council will be working in partnership with Edison Energy to carry out a programme of External Wall Insulation and Loft Insulation on a number of non traditional build types spread across Clackmannanshire.
The project will target 100 social rented properties and 50 owner occupiers within a wide range of property and build types, all of which are deemed 'hard to treat'.
A key aspect of this scheme will be the involvement of the Council's Home Energy Advice Team who will be pro-actively involved throughout this project to encourage behavioural change and create a legacy of energy efficiency.
This funding opportunity will also permit the installation of 75 Solar panels which will generate free electricity for the homes that they are placed up on.
Councillor Les Sharp added: "This project will not only deliver a range of insulation measures but will also address the other key contributors to fuel poverty in terms of efficiency and user behaviour. It is critically important to address all elements within this pilot scheme to help eradicate fuel poverty .
The Home Energy Advice Team have a proven track record in helping to reduce fuel bills and educating the public in energy efficiency matters, their input into this pilot project will pay many dividends for the residents engaged in this scheme and the lessons learned will be passed on to the whole of the community."