This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Central Heating Programme
02/08/2004
Pensioners and other eligible people are being urged to
apply for the Executive's free Central Heating Programme to
help cut their fuel bills and heat their homes more
effectively.
Research published today shows that nine out of 10
households who had previously been classed as living in
fuel poverty have had their fuel bills cut after having
central heating installed for free.
Mary Mulligan, the Deputy Communities Minister said:
"This research confirms that the Central Heating Programme
has been one of our most successful programmes. It has
brought warmth and lowered fuel bills for thousands of
people across Scotland.
"We have also changed the rules this year so that anyone
who is over 80 with partial or ineffective heating systems
can get new central heating installed.
"Savings can be made by shopping around for the best
energy deal possible.
"But we know that physical improvements alone cannot
eradicate fuel poverty and that's why we're working closely
with the UK government to encourage people to claim the
benefits and tax credits they are entitled to."
People should call the Eaga Partnership on 0800 316 1653
to find out if they are eligible.
The Impact of the Central Heating Programme on Tackling
Fuel Poverty: Survey of Households Included in 2001-2002
research is available on the Executive's website.
A total of 39,000 central heating systems have now been
installed in private, council and housing association
houses across Scotland since 2001. Around 15,000 homes will
receive free installations this year.
Energywatch can help people get the best home energy
deal
http://www.energywatch.org.uk/
or by calling 08459 06 07 08
Following central heating improvements the average cost
of maintaining satisfactory heating fell from £1085 to £549
- a saving of nearly 50 per cent, according to the
standards set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The WHO defines a 'satisfactory heating regime' as:being
for elderly and infirm households, this is 23°c in the
living room and 18°c in other rooms, to be achieved for 16
hours in every 24. For other households, this is 21°c in
the living room and 18°c in other rooms for a period of
nine hours in every 24 (or 16 in 24 over the weekend); with
two hours being in the morning and seven hours in the
evening.