Further help for groups to cut energy bills
Community groups across Scotland are to receive further help to cut their energy bills and reduce carbon emissions, thanks to a £10 million investment over five years from the largest community funder in the UK.
The National Lottery Community Fund investment will help to fund the installation of renewable technologies such as heat pumps and solar panels, as well as energy efficiency measures through the Scottish Government's Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) Community Buildings Fund.
CARES provides advice and funding to communities looking to develop renewable energy, heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency projects.
The scheme is administered by Local Energy Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.
The investment was announced by Energy Minister Stephen Gethins during a visit to Shetland, where he saw how CARES funding helped Scalloway Youth and Community Project install a heat pump, solar panels and a battery.
Mr Gethins said: “By supporting the installation of renewable technologies and energy efficiency measures, we can cut costs for organisations serving some of our most vulnerable people, reduce emissions, and strengthen local supply chains.
“CARES has already delivered over £83 million to communities across Scotland, supporting more than 1,200 projects and 75MW of renewable energy capacity.
“This new funding will enable more communities to build on that progress in the places that matter to them, and I would encourage any organisations who have not already applied to speak with Local Energy Scotland to see what help they may be eligible for.”
Kate Still, chairperson of The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland, added: “Community buildings are often at the heart of local communities, bringing people together to connect and support one another.
“We know communities want to play a leading role in responding to climate change, and this investment will enable organisations of all sizes to take meaningful action while creating lasting benefits for both people and the environment.”