A new East Lothian community energy fund from Community Windpower has paid out more than £150,000 and helped 260 households with their energy bills.
The fund is supported directly from Community Windpower’s onshore wind farms near Aikengall.
Formed as a partnership between Community Windpower, Advice Direct Scotland, and East Lothian Council, it is open to people in the region struggling to afford to heat their home.
Anyone on means-tested benefits can apply directly, while referral partners can also act on behalf of anyone on a low income or facing financial hardship. Those who are terminally ill will also qualify and will be fast-tracked to minimise their hardship.
Up to £1 million will be paid out from the scheme in total, which is due to run until the end of March 2023.
Rod Wood, Community Windpower’s managing director, said: “We can see the immediate positive effect this specific fund is having on vulnerable families and individuals in the area, with enquires to our BeGreen advice centre, on the High Street, have increased dramatically.
“This shows real benefits to the local host communities to the Aikengall wind farms during this difficult time.”