A NEW innovative energy system that will help alleviate fuel poverty for vulnerable elderly residents has been launched.

Construction of the council’s first district heating project was completed earlier this year and will now serve the newly opened sheltered housing complex at Glencairn House.

Two biomass boilers will provide 100 per cent renewable heat to the 28-unit complex and communal areas.

As well as serving the elderly residents, the district heating project also provides energy to Glencairn Primary School.

The heat tariff for tenants in the sheltered housing has been set at 4.5p per kilowatt hour, and does not include any punitive ‘standing charges’, thereby providing truly affordable warmth.

This tar iff will provide sustainable heat at a low price.

The district housing system is just one of the latest ways in which the council is looking to bring down bills.

Earlier this month the council approved plans to a procure a partner to implement a municipal energy initiative.

It will see the council team up with an ethical energy provider in a bid to slash bills for people across the area.

Councillor Joe Cullinane, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: “Affordable warmth and reducing fuel poverty is a key ambition of ours as was shown last week when we approved plans to introduce a municipal energy initiative.

“We are now delighted to be launching our first district heating project. It’s a fantastic initiative on two levels.

“Firstly it will allow us to provide cheaper fuel bills for the residents of Glencairn House. This is great for the residents who live there.

“Secondly, we are going to be reducing our own carbon footprint by using this sustainable energy source. Our Environmental Sustainability & Climate Change Strategy 2017-20 was published in January 2017, and set out ambitions to reduce our carbon emissions by 40 per cent by 2030.”

The council has partnered with Switch2, who use the latest automatic meter reading technology to ensure accurate bills for customers, without the cost and inconvenience of manual meter readings.

Two further district heating systems are also being proposed for new council housing projects in Dalry and Largs.