More than half of the £1 million available to local residents through Community Windpower’s East Lothian Energy Fund has now been distributed, but the fund remains open for applications.

Supported directly by Community Windpower’s Aikengall wind farm array in East Lothian the fund has distributed £500,000 to over 900 individuals and families across East Lothian to assist with their winter energy bills and rising costs due to the current cost-of-living crisis.

This initiative is a partnership between Community Windpower, Advice Direct Scotland, and East Lothian Council and supports the most vulnerable in East Lothian to cope with rising energy bills and the cost-of-living crisis.

The fund is set to run until the end of March 2023, continuing to support the most vulnerable in East Lothian over the winter period.   

Martin Whitfield MSP said: 

“I welcome the financial assistance that the Community Windpower’s energy fund has distributed to residents in East Lothian. Many households are struggling like never before so every additional avenue of support makes a difference.
“With cash still available from the fund, I urge anyone who is struggling with their energy costs to check out their eligibility and how to apply now to see if they can obtain some extra help this winter.”

Community Windpower’s managing director Rod Wood said:

“When we set up this fund, we appreciated that there would be a need for the support it offered, however we did not imagine how great that need would be.

“We have been humbled by the stories filtering through from both Anouska at BeGreen and the team at Advice Direct, which have shown how much the support offered means to families and individuals in the area.

“It reinforces what an important part the Scottish renewable industry can play in supporting vulnerable families and individuals across Scotland.”

For more information or to make an application, visit https://www.communityadvice.scot/.