The contract to deliver the Scottish Executive's Central Heating and Warm Deal programmes until 2008 was awarded to Scottish Gas following a full tendering process. The programmes, which are managed by Communities Scotland, deliver central heating to the over 60s without central heating in their own homes and insulation packages to help people improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
By the end of July, more than 71,500 people over 60 had received central heating under the programme since it began in 2001. The new programme will also include free benefit checks for the over 60s to ensure that they are claiming their full entitlements.
The largest housing association in the UK announced a pilot to evaluate the energy saving benefits from installing affordable solar panels in homes. If the pilot exercise is successful, Places for People will consider installing the panels in all its new homes as part of a renewable energy programme.
The Association estimates that the units will cost between £750 and £1,000 per home, which is about 25% of the cost of traditional solar panel systems. This will make them affordable for new housing developments and existing homes.
The solar panels, which provide hot water for the household, will be fitted in three new homes on Norfolk Park in Sheffield. During the 12-months pilot period, the houses will have monitoring equipment that will send energy efficient data directly to the Building Research Establishment for assessment.
Source: 24dash.com