ScottishPower Energy Networks (SPEN) has installed more than 100 homes with battery storage as part of the Warmworks Scotland project.
The Tesla Powerwall batteries were installed for free in social housing across Dumfries and Galloway, where Warmworks has partnered with the council to help reduce energy costs.
According to SPEN, the homes have been able to save up to 70% of their energy bills each month since the project kicked off at the end of 2019.
Ross Armstrong, Warmworks’ managing director said: “We know and understand that battery storage and renewable energy are going to play critical roles in Scotland’s future energy use, which is why it’s been so encouraging to see this project come to life and hear how it’s benefitted people across Dumfries and Galloway.
“We feel strongly that people who are struggling with high energy costs should never have to miss out on innovative new technology and I’m delighted we’ve been able – thanks to the help from SP Energy Networks – to bring this project to life.
SPEN provided funding from its Green Economy Fund to aid the rollout of the project, which is set to cover 150 off-gas homes. The DNO provided £1.25 million to support the project, which is helping to reduce energy bills and make homes more resilient in the event of a power outage.
Joseph Harkin, 83, from Dumfries and Galloway, said he was “delighted” with the project.
“I live alone and I did feel my monthly energy bills were a bit steep. I was a bit worried about having a new system installed, but it’s been extremely easy to use. The team from Warmworks took me through the whole process and really helped ensure I knew what I was doing.
“Every household is different but, having spoken to my neighbours, I know we’re all benefitting from this project and with the winter now fully upon us it’s great to have a lovely warm home every night without racking up the bills.”
Along with the battery installations, eligible customers received independent advice on tariff switching to help them save money, SPEN added.
