Aug 22 2005
Energy Action Areas is a scheme that has continued to develop since a successful pilot was run in five areas of Edinburgh during 2003.
Funded by the Energy Saving Trust's Innovation programme and supported by the City of Edinburgh Council, the scheme has reached 6,000 householders and cut carbon dioxide emissions. The project was developed, and is being managed, by the Warmburgh Unit, which delivers The City of Edinburgh Council's Warmburgh Plan, the energy efficiency strategy for Edinburgh homes. The project has now reached Currie in western Edinburgh, and aims to help over 1,000 homeowners make their homes more energy efficient and cut fuel bills by 20 to 50 per cent, a cash saving of between £120-300 a year.
Under the scheme homeowners will receive a letter offering them a National Home Energy Rating survey for £10, instead of the usual £100. As well as the survey, homeowners will be given advice on how to cut their fuel bills and, where possible, given grant assistance to help them install energy and money saving measures. All of the households who have taken part in other Energy Action Areas in the city have been eligible for a grant towards the cost of installing energy efficiency measures in their home. Support has varied from grants covering all or part of the cost of measures, such as loft insulation, draught-proofing or cavity wall insulation, to discounted or free low energy lightbulbs. The Energy Saving Trust provides funding and support for local authorities, housing associations and their project partners to promote and implement innovative approaches to reducing carbon emissions in the domestic sector.
The next application deadline for Innovation funding is 30 November.
For further information on the Innovation programme and developing schemes to improve the energy efficiency of the owner occupied properties in your area, please contact Practical help on 0870 241 2089.