Hadyard Hill Community Energy Project 

The communities of Dailly, Barr, Pinwherry and Pinmore have benefited from an Energy Efficiency Fund, created by Scottish and Southern Energy in connection with their Hadyard Hill Wind Farm. 

The Hadyard Hill Community Energy Project was established in December 2006 to reduce energy demand, decrease fuel poverty and obtain maximum community benefits. 

The delivery of the project was led by the Energy Agency in partnership with South Ayrshire Council on behalf of Scottish and Southern Energy.

828 rural properties covering 3 Community Councils were initially targeted in South Ayrshire near the Hadyard Hill wind farm.  The target properties included private, rented, council, Housing Association and small businesses.

Doorstep surveys were conducted between March and August 2007 to establish the energy efficiency of households and determine whether each household was suitable for cavity wall insulation, loft insulation or draught proofing.  Appropriate information was also collected to enable an ecological / carbon footprint analysis of each household.  Benefit checks, where required, were carried out by Stepping Stones for Families.

90% of households and small businesses actively took part in the project, providing energy efficiency and carbon footprint information.  Between March and October 2007, 63% of surveyed households benefited from the free insulation measures on offer.  Those receiving cavity wall and or loft insulation will save around £178 on their average annual fuel bill.  

Annual average income increase following a successful benefit check is £4,700.

With 80% of households committing to adopt simple tips to reduce energy consumption by a further £215 per annum, the project has brought a total of £250,000 per annum of additional disposable income to the community. (This excludes the employment and training of the two local surveyors)

Carbon Dioxide emissions from the community will reduce by over 744 tonnes each year as a result of the project.

The Hadyard Hill Community Eenrgy Project was announced winner of the National Energy Efficiency Awards 2007, winner of the Energy Action Scotland EnergySavers Award 2007, and picked up an Ashden Award in 2008.

Work is currently underway to provide householders with the opportunity to rent, buy or take out loans for micro-renewable systems.

For further information contact Michael Carr on 01292 521896 or e-mail michaelcarr@energyagency.org.uk

Click here to read the full report.