The Agency was established in February 1999 as South Ayrshire Energy Agency. It began as an innovative project using a combination of European Union and Local Authority funding.

In April 2000 we bid successfully for a contract to be part of the network of 52 Energy Efficiency Advice Centres in the UK, part-funded by the Energy Saving Trust (EST).

Our area of operation expanded from South Ayrshire to include North Ayrshire, East Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway Council areas.

The number of staff also trebled from 3 to 9 full-time staff.

Since then there have been further developments in energy efficiency and renewable energy. We became involved in a number of projects covering:
. Renewable Energy
. Fuel Poverty
. Volunteer training
. Health sector partnerships

As a result the Agency expanded to employ 9 full-time staff and 2 out-reach workers.

The Agency is a registered charity. Our Management Board, which comprises 10 directors of regional and local groups, is responsible for all reporting and decision-making. We have also established a trading company to operate interest-free loans and grant schemes.

In 2008 the Energy Agency successfully bid for a contract to establish and manage the Energy Saving Scotland advice centre for South West. The network which commenced in April 2008 is funded by the Scottish Government and managed by the Energy Saving Trust.

The Energy Agency now employs 15 members of staff and 4 outreach workers.

energy study