The South West Scotland Energy Agency was established in February 1999 as South Ayrshire Energy Agency. It began as an innovative project using a combination of European Union and Local Authority funding.

In April 2000 it bid successfully for a contract to be part of the network of 52 Energy Efficiency Advice Centres in the UK, part-funded by the Energy Saving Trust (EST).

The area of operation expanded from South Ayrshire to include North Ayrshire, East Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway Council areas. The number of staff also trebled from 3 to 9 full-time staff.

Since then there have been further developments in energy efficiency and renewable energy. The agency has become involved in a number of projects covering:

• Renewable Energy
• Fuel Poverty
• Volunteer training
• Health sector partnerships

As a result the Agency has expanded to employ 9 full-time staff and 2 out-reach workers.

The Agency is a registered charity. Its Management Board, which comprises 10 directors of regional and local groups, is responsible for all reporting and decision-making. It has also established a trading company to operate interest-free loans and grant schemes.