Scheme could be rolled out further

A housing association has installed a new power storage system into homes that is saving up to 85% on bills.

Scottish Borders Housing Association has installed the systems into 11 homes as part of a trial.

If the pilot provides the expected savings, the scheme could be rolled out to other areas in coming years.

Energy firm Kight PowerHub installed the solar panels and batteries.

Founder of the company Lawrence Fagg said: "We're proud to start here in Galashiels, and even prouder to know this system could potentially help thousands more pensioners and families across Scotland."

It has taken five years of research and development ahead of the social housing pilot starting this month.

By using artificial intelligence (AI) within the systems, time dependent tariffs are automatically triggered to keep bills to a minimum.

Julia Mulloy, chief executive of Scottish Borders Housing Association, said: "It's a pioneering project which is not just about technology, it's about people."

She said there was potential to reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions.