Aberdeen Council is to extend its energy efficient heat and power network to a further 388 properties.

The properties are located in the Cornhill area of the city.

The project currently provides energy efficient, low cost heating to multi-storey blocks and public buildings. Managed by independent, not-for-profit company Aberdeen Heat and Power Company Limited, the network provides electricity and a district heating system with affordable running costs, while also reducing CO2 emissions.

It generates power close to where it is needed, and uses heat produced in the process for heating and hot water rather than letting it go to waste. It also helps reduce emissions by almost 56%, cutting fuel bills in half.

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On Tuesday, the Council's Housing and Environment Committee today agreed to extend the scheme to Cairncry, Rosehill, Cornhill and Stockethill Courts.

In addition to the network, the Committee also agreed to over clad and replace the windows of the four blocks to help reduce the rate of deterioration and damp, and extend the life of the 47-year-old buildings for another 30 years..

Housing and Environment Convener Councillor Neil Cooney said: "The Council's combined heat and power scheme is one of our real success stories and many residents are now enjoying much lower fuel bills and warmer, comfortable homes.

"The current heating system in these four blocks consists of old, inefficient electric heaters which mean many of the residents are living in fuel poverty."

Mr Cooney added: "The over cladding and window replacement in these blocks will also help increase the energy efficiency of what are hard to heat homes.

"This will ensure that these properties are structurally sound for the next 30 years or so and will, in conjunction with the roll out of the combined heat and power scheme, eliminate fuel poverty among the residents of these blocks."

Work to install the heat and power network is expected to cost £3.4m while the over cladding and window replacement will cost £6.2m.

(JP/CD)