Energy efficiency funding

Households and businesses are to benefit from more than £2 million of funding to help use energy more efficiently.

The Scottish Government has given the money to 15 councils to fund projects that will support homeowners and businesses installing energy efficiency measures as part of the new Energy Efficient Scotland programme.

The funding will also help local authorities develop Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies, a new tool to allow councils to identify local opportunities for energy efficiency improvements and heat decarbonisation.

Scotland’s Energy Minister, Paul Wheelhouse, said:

“The 15 projects we are supporting - from Shetland to the Borders - will have a really positive impact for the people of Scotland by helping provide warmer homes, more competitive businesses and improving health outcomes, while boosting local economies and delivering on our wider programme, which will see around £146 million of Scottish Government funding invested in the current year and £500 million spemt over this term of the Scottish Parliament.

“Energy Efficient Scotland will make a lasting difference to reducing the level of fuel poverty and to tackling climate change in Scotland.

“There will be challenges and opportunities in transforming Scotland’s homes and buildings to be warmer, greener and more energy efficient, and so we are testing various approaches to drive further action on energy efficiency during the programme’s transition phase.

“This includes how best to engage with consumers, communities and Scotland’s businesses on this important issue, as demonstrated by the innovative project here in Peebles which, with this announcement of new funding, will now be extended to cover the wider Tweeddale area.

“Local authorities are key and valued partners in delivering Energy Efficient Scotland and the funding announced today also delivers on our commitment to councils that we will support them in the development of Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies.

“That is why I am also very pleased to announce that we are today launching a further call for applications for the Energy Efficient Scotland Transition Programme as we look to continue to support these vital projects.”

Background

1. Energy Efficient Scotland was launched by the First Minister on 2 May.  The programme builds on existing legislation and programmes that are already supporting the improvement of the energy efficiency of homes, businesses and public buildings, as well as the work we are doing with local authorities to develop Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (LHEES).

2. The launch of Energy Efficient Scotland sees us continuing to integrate and streamline our existing support over the next two years of the programme's transition phase.

3. The Scottish Government is now inviting applications for further funding.  For further information, applicants should visit: /policies/energy-efficiency/energy-efficient-scotland/.

Funding Breakdown:

4. Householders who would like to know more about Scottish Government support for energy efficiency can contact the Scottish Government’s Home Energy Scotland programme on 0808 808 2282, or visit www.homeenergyscotland.org.

5. Businesses looking for advice on saving energy can contact Resource Efficient Scotland on 0808 808 2268, or visit www.resourceefficientscotland.com.