Council Set to Advance Energy Efficient Scotland Area-Based Scheme in 2024/25
Friday, 07 June 2024 15:48
The Economy and Resources Committee will meet on 11 June, and members will be asked to approve the Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (ABS) projects for the current financial year. In partnership with the Energy Agency, the ABS initiative is set to enhance energy efficiency across the region, targeting fuel poverty and reducing carbon emissions.
The Scottish Government allocated £2,364,468 for the ABS projects in Dumfries and Galloway. The scheme aims to deliver significant benefits, including warmer homes, reduced energy costs and lower carbon footprints.
Key highlights from the ABS plans include:
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Investment of over £11.85 million in 2023/24: the first year of the Local Authority ECO4 Flex scheme saw an investment of over £11.85 million, enhancing the energy efficiency of 457 homes, with an average of £26,000 spent per household. This initiative is set to save 2,376 tonnes of CO2 annually.
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Targeted energy efficiency projects: Focus on installing External Wall Insulation (EWI) in approximately 150 hard-to-treat properties across Thornhill, Eastriggs and Lochside. These areas have been identified based on the prevalence of hard-to-treat properties and high levels of fuel poverty.
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Historical success: Nearly 2,500 energy efficiency measures have been implemented, resulting in significant reductions in carbon emissions and energy costs. The lifetime carbon savings from these measures amount to over 91,121 tonnes, with fuel bill savings exceeding £26.7 million.
Councillor Ian Carruthers, Chair of the Economy and Resources Committee, stated, “The ongoing efforts to improve energy efficiency in our region reflect our commitment to tackling fuel poverty and reducing carbon emissions. The ABS projects not only benefit individual households but also contribute to the wider economic and environmental goals for Dumfries and Galloway.”
Vice Chair of the Economy and Resources Committee, Councillor David Inglis, added, “We are excited to continue our work with the Energy Agency and other partners to deliver these vital projects. By improving the energy efficiency of homes across Dumfries and Galloway, we are helping residents save on their energy bills and contributing to a more sustainable future for our communities.”
Dumfries and Galloway Council continues to prioritise collaboration with the Energy Agency and other partners to maximise the impact of the ABS programme. This partnership ensures that local expertise and innovative solutions are leveraged to deliver sustainable energy efficiency improvements across the region.
The council is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the region's residents through strategic initiatives focused on sustainability, economic development and community wellbeing. The Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme is key to the council’s efforts to create a greener and more resilient region.