Galashiels pensioner first in world to trial new power hub which could help end fuel poverty
Last updated 24th Aug 2025
It's hoped a pioneering battery energy storage system developed in the South of Scotland could help slash electricity bills in homes across the country.
Scottish Borders Housing Association tenant Muriel Allison is the first in the world to trial the Kight Powerhub, which aims to tackle fuel poverty and support smarter use of renewable energy.
It's connected to solar panels on the roof of her home in Galashiels and uses AI technology to monitor her energy use and draw down power when tariffs are cheapest.
The revolutionary system is designed to reduce electricity bills by an average of 75%, with potential savings of up to 85%.
Muriel, who revealed she previously wrapped herself in blankets to stay cosy during cold nights, told Greatest Hits Radio: "It's made a big difference.
"I never imagined something like this would be in my home. It’s amazing to be the first, and I hope it helps others like me into the future.” And she added: "It should be a lot warmer this winter."
The PowerHub is the result of five years of research and development, including three years of collaboration between economic development agency South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and Kight PowerHub.
Both have also worked alongside five of the South of Scotland’s Registered Social Landlords to ensure the technology can meet real housing needs.
SOSE chairman, Professor Russel Griggs said reducing energy bills will mean people have more money in their pocket to spend elsewhere in their communities.
"One of the biggest things consumers struggle with at the moment is their energy bills so this new battery should reduces costs," he said. "It's the first one in the world, it's very safe so it doesn't go on fire, it lasts for 25 years and needs very little maintenance."
The system is currently being trialled in 11 homes.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes popped in to Muriel's one-bed property at Kingsknowes Village to see how it worked for herself.
"It's hugely exciting because we know how difficult it's been for householders with high energy bills over the last few years," the Highlands MSP said.
"She was saying herself that she struggled at times to put the heating on because of the high bills.
"And here we have a Scottish-based company, a Borders-based company, developing technology that creates jobs and massively reduces bills.
"Normally you see systems like this in big commercial spaces, but this is a world-first because it's in a domestic property. And, in a one-bed property like this, Muriel is seeing her bills drop significantly."
What does the founder of Kight PowerHubs say?
Founder of Kight PowerHubs Lawrence Fagg said: “Muriel’s story is a powerful example of how technology can improve lives. 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 utilising the power of AI via EnergiFlow will ensure PowerHubs households save costs, reduce carbon emissions, support the grid, and help save the planet.
“The AI control means we can minimise electricity bills and environmental impact, without residents needing to understand the complexities of time dependent or dynamic energy tariffs, we do that for them.”
How big an issue is fuel poverty in the South of Scotland?
SBHA chief executive Julia Molloy said: "We take fuel poverty very seriously. We have a specialist Warm and Well team, and that team deal with hundreds of referrals every year, supporting people with issues with their fuel bills.
"We do what we can to make sure that our homes are as energy efficient as possible, but we recognise with escalating bills in recent years it's a real challenge, and it remains a challenge that we're committed to addressing along with the other housing associations across the South of Scotland."
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