It may be summer, but some Plymouth residents will be able to apply for free energy installations that will make their homes cosier without costing a penny or the earth.
People on a low income, those on certain benefits or live in a certain postcode could be eligible for the grant under the Warm Homes Local Grant.
The grant is designed to give more people who rent or own homes the chance to have more energy efficient measures installed. This could include:
- wall, loft and underfloor insulation
- air source heat pumps
- smart controls
- solar panels.
Plymouth City Council has been allocated £2.5 million and is working with Plymouth Energy Community (PEC) to deliver the improvements. Since starting in 2013, PEC has helped over 37,000 households with energy advice or energy efficiency measures.
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Thousands of private homes need to have more energy efficient measures but the upfront cost of installing them is simply beyond the reach of many people.
“This is an incredible opportunity for people to get free measures installed, save them thousands of pounds for years to come – and help the environment at the same time.”
A decision has been signed to allocate £2.5m from the Warm Homes Local Grant into the capital programme. This enables the Council to fully fund retrofit measures for eligible residents. This funding is expected to pay for over 200 homes to have new measures installed.
Justin Bear, Retrofit Lead at Plymouth Energy Community, added: “Helping people improve the comfort and energy efficiency of their homes is core to what PEC do so we’re delighted to partner with the Council on this scheme.”
“Retrofitting our homes improves people’s health, and also ensures people are more secure in being able to pay their winter bills.”
To be eligible, your home must:
- be privately owned (either by you or your landlord)
- have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of D, E, F or G – if you do not know your home’s EPC, you can find it out when you apply
- Your household income must usually be £36,000 a year or less. If you earn more, you might still be eligible if you live in a certain postcode area or
- someone in your household is getting certain benefits.
People can Apply for the Warm Homes: Local Grant to improve a home - GOV.UK to see if they are eligible. Their home will be surveyed to assess the installation of the most appropriate measures. If you have a landlord, they may need to pay for some of the improvements.