Scottish windfarm’s £300,000 fund for vulnerable residents

Financial support is being made available to low-income households in North Ayrshire by a local renewables project. 

The new fund was announced by Community Windpower and Dalry Parish Boundary Trust. It will help vulnerable people in the region to heat their homes and pay energy bills.

Anyone living in the KA24 postcode who is struggling to pay for utilities is eligible for to apply online for the scheme. 

Grants will be assessed on individual circumstances. Priority will be given to such cases as children in poverty, people living with cancer, pensioners and those in receipt of disability benefits. 

Money can be paid to successful applicants via PayPoint or in Post Office vouchers, or it can be transferred directly to energy suppliers. 

The new scheme follows the model set by a similar initiative, which has to date helped 1,400 households in East Lothian with their energy costs. 

Pamela Stewart, Deputy Chief Executive of Advice Direct Scotland, says: ‘The funding support offered is invaluable in helping people within the Dalry area, especially those who are vulnerable. This is particularly important for those with disabilities or medical conditions that make reliance on medical equipment an expensive necessity.’  

‘We are proud to be administering this second fund in partnership with Community Windpower and our new partners at the Dalry Parish Boundary Trust.’ 

Rob Fryer, Director of Civil and Business Development at Community Windpower, says: ‘Following the amazing success of our East Lothian Energy Fund, where £1m helped over 1,400 vulnerable families and individuals in the region, it is great to see a similar initiative supporting the more focused area of Dalry, North Ayrshire.’  

‘This really reinforces that local renewable energy projects do make a meaningful difference to their host communities and are seen as a valuable asset by many locals,’ he continued. ‘We have worked alongside Dalry Parish Boundary Trust and Advice Direct Scotland to deliver this fund, which will be a great success. Our community offering throughout Scotland has now reached over £8m which is simply staggering.’ 

It’s another example of the way renewable energy can help with rising fuel bills. In related news, last week it was announced that households across the UK will be able to buy a share of a pioneering solar park.

Photo by Jonny Clow