West Dunbartonshire Council has received a £355,600 grant from SP Energy Networks’ Transmission Net Zero Fund.

This funding is set to accelerate the installation of Connected Response HeatSage controls in over 850 homes across 14 multi-storey blocks in Clydebank and Dumbarton.

The new controls are designed to integrate with existing storage heating systems, introducing weather-compensated charging. This technology allows for reduced charging times on milder days and can shift water tank charging to off-peak energy windows, ultimately leading to decreased energy usage and lower costs for tenants.

To date, the HeatSage controls have already been installed in 80% of eligible homes. The funding from SP Energy Networks will significantly speed up the remaining installation programme, bringing the benefits of improved heating control and energy efficiency to more residents sooner.

Stephanie Anderson, Head of Regulation and Policy at SP Energy Networks, highlighted the impact: “Our fund is helping the residents of West Dunbartonshire experience significant improvements in their ability to control the heating in their homes through the installation of new technology. These upgrades are an important milestone in the nation’s mission to move to more sustainable systems, and we anticipate residents will experience immediate benefits once they are installed in over 850 properties.” She added that the Net Zero Fund is collaborating with various projects across central and southern Scotland to deliver systemic, long-term benefits for communities.

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Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal, Convener of Housing and Communities for West Dunbartonshire Council, emphasized the tangible benefits for residents: “Our residents will be able to enjoy noticeable benefits from the new Connected Response HeatSage technology, with some already seeing an impact on their bills. The implementation of the heating and hot water controls across 14 blocks is a major step in improving residents’ ability to control both the temperature of their homes and their energy usage.”

Councillor Johal also urged residents to maximise these benefits by requesting a smart meter from their energy supplier and switching to an off-peak tariff. He warned that getting a smart meter is crucial to protect tenants from the upcoming Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) switch off from June 30th, which could impact their heating and hot water functionality.

The support from the Net Zero Fund is not only benefiting individual residents but also contributing to wider community education and knowledge sharing on the advantages of such upgrades. SP Energy Networks, part of the ScottishPower group, owns and operates the electricity transmission and distribution network in Central and Southern Scotland, serving over two million homes and businesses. Its Net Zero Fund, established through its subsidiary SP Transmission, supports various innovative net-zero technology projects across Scotland, including heat pump installations, renewable energy solutions, electric vehicle purchases, and retrofitting initiatives.

More information about the Net Zero Fund is available at: www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/netzerofund