North Ayrshire Council has been allocated funding from the Scottish Government’s Energy Efficiency Scotland: Area Based Schemes (EES:ABS) programme to enhance the energy efficiency of eligible privately-owned properties.

The Scottish Government funds local authorities to develop and deliver energy-efficiency programmes in areas where there are high levels of fuel poverty.

To deliver the EES:ABS scheme, the council has been working with the Wise Group and Home Energy Scotland, which is funded by the Scottish Government and helps people create warmer homes, reduce their energy bills and lower their carbon footprint. Work is currently being carried out in Kilwinning to install solid wall insulation at properties in various streets, while in Broomlands and Bourtreehill in Irvine solar panels are being installed.

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity and help homeowners cut their electricity bills and reduce their carbon footprint.

Solid wall insulation sees insulation material being fixed to the outside of a property’s walls before being covered with plasterwork or cladding, making homes easier to heat, more comfortable and saving money on energy bills.

Over the past ten years, the Council’s EES:ABS have delivered energy efficiency measures to over 2700 hard-to-heat properties.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for green environment and economy, said: “It is great, both for the environment and for our residents, that we have helped improve the energy efficiency of so many homes across North Ayrshire.

“This has helped people save money on their bills, which is particularly crucial during the Cost-of-Living Crisis, and cut their carbon footprint.

“We would like to improve life for as many people as possible through schemes like these, while also playing our part in tackling Climate Change and working towards becoming net-zero by 2030.”

If your property is included in a current Council EES:ABS project you will receive a letter inviting you to participate in the scheme from managing agent the Wise Group. If there are no projects taking place in your area at the moment, you can use the Home Energy Scotland funding tool to find out what other support may be available to you.

The council is keen to hear from resident on the Isle of Cumbrae to assist with the development of the 2023/24 EES:ABS programme. To register your interest please call Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 quoting, ABS: Isle of Cumbrae. All projects are undertaken in designated areas that are identified in line with Energy Efficient Scotland guidance issued by the Scottish Government.

North Ayrshire Council has a whole range of support available to help residents during the Cost-of-Living Crisis. This includes the Energy Smart programme, which provides a variety of supports to households struggling with soaring energy prices and inflation.

The ECO4 Flex scheme is the latest in a series of measures aimed at helping residents cope with the Cost-of-Living Crisis, rising inflation, and soaring energy prices. It is part of the Council’s specially-created £1.7million fund to carry out home improvements to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy bills.

The council’s measures also include the launch of a £450,000 fund in September 2022 to offer one-off emergency payments towards energy bills for low-income families.

In addition, the council has joined forces with the Energy Agency - a long and well-established charity - whose aims are to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability. The Energy Agency operates the Home Energy Scotland advice centre in South West Scotland – funded by the Scottish Government – which has many years of experience in providing free and expert advice covering energy saving and efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable transport. Anyone requiring energy advice is encouraged to call Home Energy Scotland South West free on 0808 808 2282.

The council website also has a wide range of advice on energy, benefits, food and clothing, health and wellbeing and a section dedicated to the business community.