Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Schemes
Area Based Schemes are for private homeowners and landlords in Scotland to help with the cost of certain energy efficiency improvements
Areas in need of energy efficiency upgrades are identified through data analysis and engagement with local communities. This includes assessing properties based on Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings, fuel poverty statistics, community feedback, and the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). The council prioritises areas where improvements can have the greatest impact on reducing fuel poverty and carbon emissions.
The Heat and Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (HEES: ABS) is designed and delivered by West Lothian Council and the Scottish Government, in partnership with utility companies and local delivery partners. It is primarily an insulation programme, delivering solid wall and hard-to-treat cavity wall insulation.
Successful improvements have been made in areas including:
- Quentin Rise and Palmer Rise in Livingston
- Deans, Dedridge, Knightsridge, Howden, Ladywell, and Eliburn in Livingston
- Mid Calder
- Pumpherston
- Longridge
- Armadale
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Key Findings from Previous Years:
- Households participating in the scheme experienced an average fuel bill reduction of 15%.
- 100% of post-installation EPC assessments showed an average uplift of one EPC band.
- Approximately 60% of surveyed households moved out of fuel poverty following improvements.
- Temperature and humidity monitoring revealed that properties maintained more stable and comfortable indoor environments after insulation upgrades.
Grant Funding for Energy Efficiency Improvements.
In partnership with the Scottish Government, West Lothian council is offering grant funding to help homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their properties. This initiative focuses on solid wall insulation and other measures for homes that are hard to treat due to non-standard construction.
Each year, once funding for the Area-Based Scheme (ABS) has been successfully secured, eligible homeowners in the most fuel-poor areas—identified through the Scottish Government's application process—will receive a formal letter of offer. To maintain fairness, these target areas cannot be disclosed in advance to prevent speculative property purchases.
If your home is selected for a future ABS programme, you may be eligible to apply for an interest-free loan through Home Energy Scotland to cover your customer contribution to the scheme. This loan—averaging £1,050 over the last three years—can be repaid in affordable instalments following a financial assessment as part of the loan application process.
When contacting Home Energy Scotland, please inform the advisor that you are applying for the HEEPS:ABS loan to ensure they provide the correct guidance.
To find out more, you can chat to a friendly Home Energy Scotland advisor by calling them on 0808 808 2282, or fill in their contact form (opens new window). Phone lines are open Monday - Friday 8am - 8pm, and 9am - 5pm on Saturdays. You can also find out more about funding on the Home Energy Scotland website (opens new window).
