More than 100 homes across Dumfries and Galloway have been benefitting from an innovative battery storage project that has helped to reduce energy costs, thanks to a £1.25million funding injection from our Green Economy Fund.
Warmworks Scotland is installing battery storage technology in around 150 off-gas homes in Dumfries and Galloway. This project is helping families in social housing save up to 70% off the cost of their energy bills each month since the project kicked off last year.
Warmworks partnered with Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership to carry out the project, which also helps to make homes more resilient in the event of a power outage.
Following the launch, each eligible customer had a free Tesla Powerwall battery installed in their home and received independent advice on tariff switching to make sure they are on the right tariff to save money.
In a short time one customer who was eligible for the project is already seeing the benefits. Joseph Harkin, 83, from Dumfries and Galloway, said: “I was delighted when I found out that I was eligible for this project. I live alone and I did feel my monthly energy bills were a bit steep. I was a bit worried about having a new system installed, but it’s been extremely easy to use. The team from Warmworks took me through the whole process and really helped ensure I knew what I was doing.
“Since it’s been installed, I’ve noticed a big difference in my monthly bills. Although I just tend to find myself spending more money on some treats at the supermarket each month!
“Every household is different but, having spoken to my neighbours, I know we’re all benefitting from this project and with the winter now fully upon us it’s great to have a lovely warm home every night without racking up the bills.
“I’m very grateful to the workers at Warmworks Scotland and SP Energy Networks for all of their help, it’s one of those things you don’t quite realise how much you can benefit from until it happens.”
Ross Armstrong, Warmworks’ Managing Director said: “We know and understand that battery storage and renewable energy are going to play critical roles in Scotland’s future energy use, which is why it’s been so encouraging to see this project come to life and hear how it’s benefitted people across Dumfries and Galloway. We feel strongly that people who are struggling with high energy costs should never have to miss out on innovative new technology and I’m delighted we’ve been able – thanks to the help from SP Energy Networks – to bring this project to life.
“We’re really pleased to hear that the Tesla Powerwall battery has helped Joseph save money each month and keep his home warmer this winter without the constant stress of worrying about the cost.”
Jillian Violaris, Green Economy Fund Project Manager, SP Energy Networks, said: “We are proud to have provided the funding to Warmworks Scotland through our Green Economy Fund. Our funding is helping reduce energy bills and keep homes warmer this winter across Dumfries and Galloway. We must share learnings from exemplar projects such as Warmworks which play a big part in the drive to reduce carbon emissions. Our funding has not only helped them make a long-term social and environmental impact in their area but has also mapped out a pathway for future projects.
“The Green Economy Fund is investing directly in projects that promote low-carbon heating, low-carbon transport, or the education of Scotland’s workforce for a greener future. We share the Scottish Government’s vision of making a cleaner, greener Scotland by accelerating our green economy in order to deliver a better future, quicker for our communities.”
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