New heat pumps have proved a godsend, according to Naish Court resident Lena Thomson, who featured in the Otago Daily Times two years ago, sitting in front of a heater while wrapped in several layers of clothing.
That was when residents were freezing in their Clutha District Council-owned flats, which had poor or no insulation.
But a major council project, initially involving the installation of heat pumps, has changed all that.
And yesterday, the smile was broad on Mrs Thomson's face, even with the threat of snow to low levels in Balclutha today.
"Gosh, it's nice and lovely in here now," she said.
It was a different story in July 2007, when she said winter was almost unbearable.
Her flat's underfloor heating failed and many winter days and nights were spent cuddling up to a hot-water bottle, wrapped in blankets and wearing up to seven layers of clothing.
She was going to bed early to try to keep warm and sleeping in late to save power and retain some body heat.
Yesterday, on one of South Otago's coldest days this winter, Mrs Thomson was wearing just two layers and smiling broadly as she knitted for her grandchildren.
The heat pump behind her was on low and the warmth in the flat was evident.
Mrs Thomson said the council deserved plenty of thanks for installing the heat pumps, as did Presbyterian minister Brian Walker, who made a special effort to ease the residents' plight.
Council district assets manager Jules Witt said there had been strong positive feedback from tenants since the heat pumps were installed.
They were part of a $693,000 programme designed to improve facilities.
Each of the council's 98 housing units has had a heat pump installed and there are plans for further improvements.
