Inverclyde Council's Local Energy Saving Scheme is to be targeted on Kilmacolm.

The Council, in partnership with SOLAS Insulation Ltd, have a Local Energy Savings Scheme known as LESS Inverclyde.

The aim of the project is to deliver energy efficiency measures to homes across Inverclyde on an area-by-area, door-to-door basis to maximise take-up.

LESS Inverclyde offers free cavity wall and loft insulation to the over 70s and people on certain benefits and heavily discounted rates to other owner-occupiers and private tenants. It also offers free advice on how owners can better insulate their home and make it more energy efficient.

The scheme will be delivered on behalf of Inverclyde Council by SOLAS Insulation Ltd, a not-for-profit registered charity. SOLAS registered and trained installers will carry out all installation work.


The scheme will offer homeowners and private tenants:

• Free cavity wall insulation for over 70s and those on certain benefits.
• Free loft insulation for most people over 70 and those on certain benefits.
• Those aged 70 or over will also be offered a free loft clearance service.
• Heavily discounted rates for other groups (average prices are £135 for loft insulation and £145 for cavity wall based on a typical 3 bd/rm semi).
• A free home energy report for all, describing a home’s energy performance and identifying areas for improvement.
• Two free low energy lightbulbs.
• Referrals to national programmes such as the Energy Assistance Package where appropriate.

A significant contribution towards the cost of insulation works will come from the Carbon Emissions Reduction Targets (CERT) scheme, which legally obliges energy companies to contribute £1.5bn over the next three years to home energy efficiency measures for people on low incomes. Scottish Hydro Electric are actively supporting LESS Inverclyde as part of their ongoing partnership with SOLAS and have agreed to contribute a six figure sum to the programme.

SOLAS have employed a Community Officer to engage with the Kilmacolm community and ensure that the promotion of LESS Inverclyde is as wide as possible within the community.

People need not wait until SOLAS visit them. If they wish to participate in LESS Inverclyde they can contact SOLAS directly on the freephone number 08000 19 82 20.

(GK/JM)