New boilers will help tenants in parts of West Lothian cope with rising energy prices over the winter, it is hoped.
Almond Housing tenants in Craigshill will see new gas boilers installed for the winter as part of the rolling upgrade programme by the association.
The upgrade is one of several either under way or part of a procurement process to improve homes in the area. Tenants have also been able to access cash help to meet rising heating costs.
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A spokesman for Almond told a recent meeting of the East Livingston and East Calder Local area Committee: “We have been able to apply for and access two funds under the Energy Redress Fund this year. These funds are currently closed but we are hopeful that they will go live again soon.
"Since December 2021, the Housing Team has distributed £23,790 in 493 vouchers for our residents who are struggling to meet their fuel costs.”
The Energy Redress Fund is run by the Energy Saving Trust, a charity funded by Ofgem to redistribute payments from companies who may have breached Ofgem rules.
Registered Charities, Community Interest Companies, Co-operative Societies and Community Benefit Societies can apply for funds to deliver energy related projects that meet the scheme priorities and benefit people in England, Scotland and Wales. Energy Saving Trust will be administering the scheme until 2024.
Up to 150 Craigshill homes will get new “A" rated boilers as well as see other energy efficiency measures including replacement balconies, windows and external doors. Internal upgrades will also include new kitchens.
A spokesman added: “We will be carrying out some pilot projects for energy efficiency, focusing on fabric first, that will be centred around saving our tenants money on the cost to heat their homes.”
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