It might be summer - but get ready for cold weather ahead

The Council is advising householders to think ahead to winter – with funding available to keep homes warm and cut fuel bills.

The Council has been awarded £1.4 million from the Scottish Government for 2017-18 to help home owners, private sector tenants and landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

Under the Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland: Area Based Scheme (HEEPS: ABS), funding is available for loft insulation, under floor insulation, internal wall insulation, and external wall insulation.

Steven Aberdein, the Council’s Fuel Poverty Officer, said: “It might seem strange to be giving this advice in summer, but this is the perfect time to get ready for the cold weather ahead.

“This is the third year of delivery for the HEEPS: ABS in Orkney and already almost 300 properties have been upgraded as a result.

“As we approach this significant milestone, we are taking the opportunity to remind people that funding continues to be available to make their homes more warm and comfortable – and to cut their fuel costs in the process.”

Up to £7,500 is available per applicant. However, a higher grant award of £9,000 can be considered where the applicant makes their own contribution of £1,000.

For further information, to find out if you are eligible, and to register for the scheme, contact Firefly Energi (Orkney) Ltd, who have been appointed by the Council to manage the initiative, on 01856881151 or by email. 

You can also visit their office at 31 Broad Street, Kirkwall (Monday-Friday, 09:00 to 17:00).