The recent announcements by the major energy providers notifying of large increases in fuel prices could lead to an increase in Fuel Poverty, this is the opinion of Bryan Woods, MD of Icynene approved installer, eco Insulate Ltd.

He continued by saying: "Apart from the effect on individuals these increases will put more pressure on Social landlords to tackle the problem. They have already made a great effort to reduce the number of cases by carrying out major energy efficiency programmes as part of their drive to meet the SHQS. It’s widely known that efficient insulation is a simple solution to reduce energy usage as once installed it costs nothing to run and requires no input from the tenant to ensure its effective working.

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"Many Government led schemes have seen programmes to install or increase existing insulation levels but these have tended to be suitable for more modern housing. However with remaining properties being of more traditional construction, Fuel Poverty will become an even greater issue especially in more remote areas where greater weather exposure, limited fuel choice and older housing represent typical conditions."

Eco Insulate’s Surveying Manager, Colin Davidson added: "These homes, now known as ‘Hard to Heat and Hard to Treat’ have been identified by Housing Associations as a hurdle to meeting the SHQS and the bold CO2 reduction targets laid down by the Scottish Government. With the increasing need to reduce heat loss through both conduction (measured by the ‘U’ Value) and convection (air leakage) alternative solutions need to be identified.

"This is especially important where the thickness of insulation material is limited by the construction of the building," Bryan went on to say.

"Low density spray foam materials such as Icynene can help in these situations as they can be installed in system built homes such as No Fines construction or those built using more traditional methods from stone, lath and plaster and incorporating dormer windows and coombed ceilings. By being able to treat their older properties as well as more modern stock, Housing Associations can continue to help their tenants in the fight against Fuel Poverty."

(GK)