The Scottish Government has published a ‘call for evidence’ seeking views on the  future expansion of the Home Energy Efficiency Equity Loan Pilot to a nationwide support scheme.

About the Pilot Scheme

The Scottish Government’s Home Energy Efficiency Equity Loan Pilot has been operating since 2017. During this time it has delivered over 55 loans to eligible homeowners which has been used to finance the installation of energy efficiency measures and associated home improvements.

Scottish Government now wish to consider the potential to develop the pilot as part of the suite of support schemes for the decarbonisation of buildings as established in the draft Heat in Buildings Strategy.

National Roll Out

This call for evidence seeks feedback on the pilot, and stakeholder views to inform the Scottish Government’s consideration of future delivery. The Scottish Government is also seeking input on potential actions to modify and enhance the pilot to ensure optimal and sustainable outcomes should it progress to a national scheme.

The call for evidence will gather thoughts on the benefits and challenges of an equity loan rollout, the sustainability of its delivery and the scope of the measures which should be offered.

Stuart Fairlie – Technical & Operations Director at Elmhurst comments “We are delighted to see the release of this call for evidence as it is essential that owner occupied properties in Scotland have a solution in place to make their homes more energy efficient. The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is the starting position, but as we have said for many years it is now about encouraging people to make the right changes to their homes- this type of finance solution is a vital piece of the jigsaw.“

As always Elmhurst will consider the call for evidence, and will liaise with our expert members when developing a response.

Link to consultation: https://consult.gov.scot/energy-and-climate-change-directorate/home-energy-efficiency-equity-loan-pilot/

Response deadline: 8th October 2021