A Partnership meeting hosted by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and TEAS: The Energy Advisory Service, was held in Stornoway recently to recognise the funding and support given by Scottish Hydro Electric over the last twelve years, for householders to install insulation measures.

Fuel suppliers are obligated by Government to invest funding to install energy efficiency measures and promote reductions in carbon emissions for households.

This in turn reduces energy bills and energy consumption. At least 40% of this funding must be directed at a priority group of low income and elderly customers.


Fuel suppliers can invest this money in a number of ways, however due to the strong partnership network of Tighean Innse Gall, TEAS: The Energy Advisory Service, Taigh Blàth and Scottish Hydro Electric, the company have invested significantly to insulation improvements in the Islands.

The grant schemes focuses on providing a home energy survey, loft insulation and cavity wall insulation where applicable and low energy lightbulbs.

Over the twelve years Scottish Hydro Electric and Taigh Blath have assisted over 4000 householders to install energy saving measures in their homes, helping to make homes warmer, improving on the energy rating of the property and reducing carbon emissions.

Scottish Hydro Electric's Partnership Manager, Craig Thompson, travelled to the Islands to see first hand how the funding is being utilised locally. Craig met with members of the North Harris Trust committee, who have recently been awarded funding to improve the Insulation standards on up to 100 properties in the North Harris Trust area and also with local Councillors and Committee members.

(GK/JM)