New Projects To Help Heat Old Homes

11th December 2012

More than 2,200 old, cold properties across Scotland are to be transformed into warm, environmentally friendly homes which are easier and cheaper to heat.

New Scottish Government investment of �3.5 million has been allocated to 19 projects across Scotland, for the installation of energy efficiency measures such as solid wall insulation, double glazing and central heating in older homes.

The Government money will lever in a total of �27 million, including �13 million from major utility companies. The projects will also support an estimated 150 jobs across Scotland.

Furthermore, the investment will help to reduce household heating bills, provide opportunities for local businesses and drive down the number of people in fuel poverty.

Local authorities and registered social landlords will work in partnership with energy companies to deliver the pilots, targeting areas where fuel poverty is a concern.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who made the announcement today ahead of meeting with the Fuel Poverty Forum to discuss the issue on Wednesday this week, said:

�With Scotland�s first significant snowfall of the winter this week, 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.

�Today�s funding will see thousands of homes across Scotland receive new measures like solid wall insulation, double glazing and new heating systems.

�That is also good news for jobs and the economy, with all of these projects generating work and supporting jobs.

�To help tackle fuel poverty we are actively working with energy companies to ensure that Scotland continues to get its fair share of energy company funding for efficiency programmes like these. Unlike the UK Government, we believe it is important to provide this type of funding, which is why we are committing around a quarter of a billion pounds to it in this spending review period.

�Individuals and families looking for advice on how the range of energy saving measures on offer could help them should telephone the Home Energy Scotland Hotline on 0800 512 012.

�Independence is the only way to guarantee more concerted action, focussed on Scotland�s specific advantages � like our vast energy resources � to raise more people out fuel poverty.�