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The most recent Orkney Household Energy Survey has been released, showcasing the significant consequences of escalating energy expenses on households in Orkney, as well as a heightened interest in renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Around 10% of households in Orkney have participated in a household energy survey (1,183 responses) carried out by Aquatera Ltd in 2024 as part of the Rural Energy Hubs project, supported by Innovate UK.
This survey offers a five-year comparison of local energy consumption and attitudes marked by substantial price surges and widespread adoption of renewables. A similar assessment was done in 2019 within the ReFLEX Orkney project, also financed by Innovate UK, which aimed to establish a baseline for future surveys to monitor changes in energy usage and public attitudes towards renewables and energy efficiency technologies.
Partners of the Rural Energy Hubs project, including Aquatera, EMEC, Community Energy Scotland, and The Orkney and Shetland Islands Councils, are collaborating to expedite decarbonization in remote and rural areas. The findings of this survey will guide future endeavors under the Rural Energy Hubs project and other community initiatives such as the Island Centre for Net Zero (ICNZ), contributing to ongoing efforts aimed at alleviating fuel poverty, enhancing energy efficiency, and bolstering local energy resilience.
The findings of the 2024 survey depict a mixed scenario. Although the adoption of renewable technologies has soared, energy affordability has emerged as a pressing concern. The proportion of households spending over £2,500 annually on electricity has increased fourfold since 2019, rising from just 7% to 31%. Costs for heating oil and alternative fuels have also skyrocketed, significantly affecting the decisions of certain households regarding energy usage.
Household energy expenditure for 2019 and 2024
Fortunately, the survey indicates notable increases in the adoption of renewable technologies among households in Orkney. More than a third (36%) of respondents have energy-generating devices installed, up from 19% in 2019. The implementation of battery storage systems has witnessed a particularly steep rise (from 1% to nearly 9%) and electric vehicle ownership has doubled, with 14% either owning or leasing an EV.
Insulation improvements and community-owned renewable initiatives have emerged as the most favored forms of climate action, while large-scale wind generation remains more contentious. The survey also uncovered a shift in motivations, with energy security and savings now taking precedence over environmental concerns for the majority of households.
Nevertheless, considerable challenges persist regarding awareness and accessibility of funding and information to assist residents in decarbonizing or adopting energy-saving measures. The rising cost of living, steep increases in energy prices, and cuts in Government funding have affected access to technologies and altered residents’ priorities. Most individuals would prefer more assistance in acquiring technology, whether through information, guidance, funding options, or a clearer understanding of the financial benefits involved. This is particularly pertinent in relation to solar and battery storage, as well as alternative energy systems.
While numerous obstacles and barriers remain for Orkney residents regarding access to low carbon technology, there has been an increase in awareness and acceptance; more residents express a desire to embrace low carbon technology if given the chance.
Luke Fraser, Aquatera Senior Consultant who led the surveys in 2019 and 2024, stated:
“This data underscores how the cost-of-living crisis has severely affected Orkney. Rising energy costs are driving more households into fuel poverty, particularly in older, less energy-efficient, homes and those relying solely on electricity for their energy needs. We extend our gratitude to the 1,183 individuals who took the time to complete the survey, enabling us to provide this analysis for the Orkney community.”
The survey is available for download on Aquatera’s website: 2024 Orkney Household Energy Survey
Source: Aquatera
