Scots Urged To Use Energy Improvements

14 October 2014, 06:27 | Updated: 14 October 2014, 06:34

People in Glasgow could miss out on free money-saving improvements because they don't realise their home is eligible for help.

Research by Scottish Gas has uncovered that only a quarter of people living in Scotland's biggest city believe their home qualifies for free insulation, despite it being available to 90% of homes that need it.

With Scottish Gas and the Government now working together to roll out loft and cavity insulation to even more homes across the UK, this could mean millions of people will miss out on average annual savings on their energy bills of up to £150 from free loft insulation and up to £145 with cavity wall insulation.

The research discovered that nearly half of Glaswegians assume free insulation is only available to low income households or those on benefits.  In reality, 90% of homes that need insulation will qualify for the free of charge improvements under the British Gas roll-out.

Renters may also miss out on getting the improvements their home is entitled to, as more than a quarter of people surveyed didn't know rented properties are also eligible. Over three quarters of people in Glasgow would sign up for help if they could see the result of free insulation installed in other homes in the local area.  Scottish Gas has already delivered solid wall insulation schemes for social housing projects in association with the CUBE Housing Association on the Wyndford estate in Glasgow, to upgrade more than 2,500 homes as part of the Energy Company Obligation Scheme and the Community Energy Saving Programme.

Claire Miles, managing director of Scottish Gas New Energy, commented: "Easy to see why people may not realise their home is eligible, as previous schemes mainly helped low income and vulnerable households in order to provide support to those who need it most. However, Scottish Gas is now delighted to be working with the Government to roll out help much more widely; reaching the 90 per cent of homes that need efficiency improvements.

"Quick and easy to find out if your home needs free insulation and you don't need to be a Scottish Gas customer to sign up. The research has shown us that people think installing insulation is a time consuming, difficult process, but it actually takes less than a day, and there are no hidden costs or commitments. Plus the great news is that you'll see a real difference in how much warmer your home is, and on your energy bills. We'd urge everyone to find out if their home needs help to avoid missing out.

Many people don't realise what a difference installing energy efficiency measures, like loft insulation, can make to their energy consumption and bank account, but more than two thirds of people would be likely to apply for help if they thought their home was eligible. However, a massive 81% of respondents felt they were more likely to sign up for free insulation after becoming aware it could help them save up to £150 on their energy bills every year.

For more information and to find out if your home needs free insulation, visit www.Britishgas.co.uk/insulation or call 0800 691 1390.