Grantown man wins energy competition
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A GRANTOWN man has won £500 in vouchers as part of a Scottish Government initiative aimed at making homes more energy efficient.
Mr Calum Beange had cavity wall and loft top up insulation fitted at his home on the town's Strathspey Drive as part of the Universal Home Insulation Scheme which could not keep pace with demand in the strath.
As well as saving an estimated £200 per year as a result, he has now bagged the prize draw to spend on energy-saving appliances.
Highland Council was awarded funding by the Scottish Government last Autumn to deliver the UHIS in three parts of the region – Badenoch and Strathspey; East Sutherland and Edderton; and Skye.
The scheme offered free surveys and installation to private homes identifed as needing cavity wall and loft insulation.
Many householders were also offered a free home energy audit and free impartial advice to help reduce fuel bills through the Scottish Government’s Energy Assistance Package.
The final figures reported to the Scottish Government show that of the thousands of households who received mail regarding the scheme 355 households had cavity wall insulation installed and 1433 households benefited from loft insulation.
Margaret Davidson, Chair of The Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee said: “This has been a great offer for householders in these rural areas of the Highlands.
"Those taking part have not only made their homes warmer but they have also saved money on their energy bills.
"Lately there has been a lot in the national news about energy costs rising, so any savings that can be made has to be good news.”
Peter Rickard, Centre Manager of the local Energy Saving Scotland advice centre, helped organise the campaign on behalf of the council.
He said: “It’s encouraging to hear about Mr Beange who is one out of hundreds of people who have benefited from the Universal Home Insulation Scheme.
"It’s a successful part of our long-term efforts to tackle high energy bills in Highland.
"Although the scheme has ended we still urge householders to call us on 0800 512 012 and speak to one of our friendly advisors about other ways they can save energy and keep their bills down.”
