£1.8M Funding Cuts Energy Bills and Carbon Emissions in Moray Homes

In its 40th year, energy efficiency charity Scarf continues to deliver lasting impact with nearly £2 million in private sector investment channelled into Moray homes to reduce energy bills, cut carbon, and tackle fuel poverty.

Since launching in 2024, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4 Flex) scheme has enabled Scarf to facilitate £1.8 million in funding through energy suppliers. This scheme requires large energy companies to make funding available to support energy efficiency projects. 

It allows charities like Scarf and local authorities to refer eligible households for free home energy upgrades that cut bills and carbon while improving warmth and comfort.
Scarf has used this to support 95 completed installations and 290 energy efficiency measures across homes in Moray. That’s an average of nearly £18,500 invested per property, with almost three separate improvements installed per home, covering everything from insulation upgrades to solar panels and heat pumps. 

These improvements have already delivered £167,000 in annual bill savings and 511 tonnes of carbon savings each year. The impact is only set to grow. 

32% of households in Moray are living in fuel poverty – significantly higher than the national average of 24%. These funded measures directly address the root causes of fuel poverty by improving the energy efficiency of homes, reducing running costs, and future-proofing properties against rising fuel prices. 

In addition to physical upgrades, Scarf’s expert energy advisors work directly with households across Moray to provide free, impartial advice on how to reduce energy use, access available support, and maximise savings. This personalised support helps people take control of their energy bills and stay warm at home year-round.

Scarf also provides direct financial support to households in crisis. In Moray alone, £6,272 has been distributed through the Scarf Fuel Fund, helping people struggling to top up their prepayment meters. It’s a lifeline, keeping the power on for those at risk of self-disconnection. 

“We’re not just installing energy-saving technology. We’re helping families feel secure and warm in their homes,” said Lawrence Johnston, Co-CEO at Scarf. “ECO4-Flex shows how targeted investment in energy efficiency can deliver real change for people who need it most.” 

Scarf is a registered charity and social enterprise that works in partnership with local and national government, private sector and other third sector organisations to help lower fuel bills and carbon emissions. Founded in 1985, the organisation operates from offices in Aberdeen and Dundee to deliver a range of energy-saving services to householders, communities and businesses across Scotland.  

To find out more, visit https://www.scarf.org.uk