In partnership with Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) and energy supplier E.ON, the Council is delivering an innovative project exploring the decarbonisation of heating.
The £1.09 million ‘Re-Heat’ initiative gives eligible homeowners in East Dunbartonshire the opportunity to have air source heat pumps and new thermal battery and technology installed.
Funded by the Scottish Government and with financial contributions from SPEN and E.ON, the project can fund up to 50 homes with successful applicants asked to contribute up to £3000 towards the major home upgrade – a heavily discounted rate of around 90%.
Over 90 homeowners in East Dunbartonshire have so far applied, with the first installation imminent and a number of others currently being assessed for feasibility. .
The aim is to get around 24 installations completed by the end of March 2023, with the remaining to follow.
Depute Chief Executive, East Dunbartonshire Council, Ann Davie said, “We are one of three local authorities in Scotland taking part in this pilot, which aims to help cut emissions and costs across homes and local communities.
“We had a fantastic response from residents who are keen to take part. Working with our delivery partner E.ON, we will continue to identify households that are interested and we hope to achieve our goal of installing heat pumps in 50 homes across the area.
“The Re-Heat project complements our emerging Climate Action Plan and Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy and the steps we are taking to support the Scottish Government’s target to secure a 75% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. We have made considerable progress in reducing our own carbon footprint with our own corporate carbon emissions falling 49% between 2012-2013 and 2021-2022.
“Furthermore, efforts to reduce carbon emissions at an area-wide level are also being pursued through other Council strategies, including the Local Housing Strategy, Local Transport Strategy Local Development Plan 2 and Economic Recovery Plan.”
Homeowners must fit the following criteria to be eligible for the Re-Heat project:
- Own their property
- Have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G
- Have a household income of £35,000 or less – dependent on number of people living at the property - or receive one or more means tested benefit
Michael Lewis, E.ON UK Chief Executive added, "We've been installing heat pumps in homes across the UK for many years and we're convinced they're critical to making homes more comfortable, more efficient and cheaper to heat.
“With rising energy bills caused by wholesale gas markets, it's crucial that we find alternative ways to heat our homes that rely less on fossil fuels, both for price and environmental reasons."
Residents can find out more and sign up by visiting E.ON Energy (opens in new window)