RURAL HOMEOWNERS not connected to the gas grid are being offered grants designed to save on household fuel bills.

Grants of up to £6500 are being made available through the Scottish Government’s £60 million Energy Assistance Package.

The money will allow the installation of low-carbon air source heat pumps for households that normally rely on oil or solid fuels.

The technology generates at least two-and-a-half times as much energy as it consumes and works in temperatures as low as -15C powering heating and hot water all year round—and lowering carbon emissions.

Visiting the Mitsubishi plant in Livingston, where the pumps are being manufactured, housing and communities minister Alex Neil said yesterday that the help available through the package is second to none in helping people who are struggling with fuel bills.

Since the launch of the Energy Assistance Package in April over 25,000 households have been given energy savings advice.

For further information visit www.energyassistance package.com or freephone 0800 512 012.