News / Fuel poverty scheme targets local firms
A TEN year programme to tackle fuel poverty in Shetland begins next month with an initial government grant of £440,000, which could be more than doubled with private sector investment.
Local businesses are being encouraged to tool up to take advantage of the scheme that aims to reduce carbon emissions, encourage installation of micro renewables and improve energy efficiency throughout the isles.
Local authorities are being put in charge of how £16 million is spent nationwide this year, with the most vulnerable households being targeted in the isles.
Shetland Islands Council hopes the local investment will be topped up with a further £500,000 from one of the large energy companies through the UK government’s new Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme.
ECO was introduced in January as part of Westminster’s Green Deal designed to help people with their energy bills while tackling the government’s carbon reduction targets.
SIC environment and energy team leader Mary Lisk said the initial sum would have to be spent by March 2014 when a further funding round would be announced.
Lisk said the latest scheme stood out because it encouraged local contractors to gain the appropriate accreditation to install a whole range of energy efficiency measures.
In the past outside contractors have been brought in to implement similar schemes, often generating criticism along the way.
The council will work with the Lerwick Citizens Advice Bureau to identify local people who are having problems paying their energy bills and encourage them to take advantage of the new scheme.
In the first year the aim will be to target loft and under floor insulation in particular.
“We hope to get as many people living in fuel poverty to apply as possible,” Lisk said.
“We are keen to encourage those who up to now have felt too proud to apply for any government grants and perhaps are not heating their homes properly.”
From April householders can contact either the council or the Energy Saving Trust to discuss their circumstances.
Lisk said clients would be guided through the process to help them get the best deal possible.
Scottish housing and welfare minister Margaret Burgess said that £16 million was being made available to local authorities as part of a £79 million energy efficiency and fuel poverty programme being implemented this year.
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