The EES:ABS programme is fully funded by the Scottish Government and offers eligible Highland residents grant funding for energy efficiency measures including:

• External Wall Insulation
• Cavity Wall Insulation
• Loft Insulation
• Air Source Heat Pump
• Solar Panels with battery storage

Chair of Highland Council’s Climate Change Committee, Councillor Karl Rosie, said: “The Highland Council is delighted to be able to support Highland owners and private rented tenants to access significant grant funding towards the installation cost of energy efficiency measures.

“Highland is experiencing some of the highest levels of fuel poverty in Scotland. It is vital we encourage as many households as possible to sign up to the EES:ABS programme to benefit from funding available.”

He added: “I would urge people to check their eligibility for this offer which will improve the efficiency of your home, improve comfort levels and attempt to minimise the impact of fuel cost rises. In addition, you will reduce your carbon footprint and support the Council in achieving Net Zero.”

While the programme adopts a fabric first approach, the council has a particular focus on whole house retrofit and seeks to support eligible Highland residents to insulate their homes and provide heating upgrades and solar PV with battery storage to further improve efficiencies, reduce carbon footprint and work towards Scottish Government target of achieving an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating C by 2030.

Funding is subject to eligibility and survey, properties must be privately owned or privately rented, Council Tax band A – D and be your main residence.

Highland Council continues to work with SSE Renewables who provide vital grant support through the SSE Renewables Highland Sustainable Development Fund, to provide additional funds.

Funding will be used to maximise energy efficiency works which can be undertaken to properties by reducing or remove entirely householder contributions for those in extreme fuel poverty.

Stuart Hood, director of asset management, SSE Renewables, said: “SSE Renewables has provided £1 million to the Highland Energy Efficiency programme to provide additional funding to households in extreme fuel poverty. The funding will help vulnerable residents benefit from warm homes for years to come.”

The Highland Council will be working with Union Technical Services Ltd who has been awarded the contract to deliver the 2023/24 EES:ABS programme.

Owen Coyle, director of Union Technical Services Ltd said: “Union Technical are delighted to be appointed as the contractor for the Highland Council EES:ABS programme. Having worked in the area for the past decade we have a firm understanding of the requirements and needs to deliver in the area. The Highland Council area has some of the highest rates of fuel poverty in the country.

“Only through schemes such as Scottish Government EES:ABS programme and ECO4 are we able to take a proactive approach in reducing this. We look forward to working closely with The Highland Council and their partnered organisations to deliver a successful scheme.”